Watch: Boy Scout Outed On Facebook Gets Kicked Out Of Scouting (Video)
Zach Wahls, an LGBT ally and founder of Scouts for Equality talked with MSNBC’s Ari Melber and 19-year old Garrett Bryant — who was kicked out of Scouting for being gay — last night on “The Last Word.”Â
Bryant, who is acting courageous by taking on the BSA — which he clearly has loved for much of his life — says an innocuous Facebook status change led to the Boy Scouts of America kicking him out of Scouting. Bryant was expecting a summer job offer with the BSA after being in Scouting for eight years. But the Scouts say that he can’t work for them because of his sexual orientation.
Bryant tells MSNBC that he was willing to keep his sexuality secret to continue to stay with the Scouts. “They wanted to make this an issue,” he says. “Now, because of that, I will make this an issue.”
The BSA says that they want to be a “safe haven” for kids. But by mandating Scout Leaders or employees cannot be gay, they’re making it clear to younger gay Scouts they believe that there’s something wrong with being gay — and almost suggesting that all gays grow up to be pedophiles.
In fact, Bryant notes that the program he was in, Venturing, is co-ed. MSNBC didn’t ask, but the obvious question is why is it OK for a straight male or female to be a leader in a co-ed program, but not a gay male or female?Â
“What kind of message does this send to 12, 13, 14, 15-year old Scouts — gay Eagle Scouts who are still in the program — when they’re seeing someone like Garrett who’s eminently a qualified leader for the summer camp program, being denied that position?,” Wahls asked.
Watch:
http://player.theplatform.com/p/2E2eJC/EmbeddedOffSite?guid=n_lw_Escout_140429
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.