Should the Boy Scouts Change Its Anti-Gay Stance?
The organization is reported to be considering allowing organizations that sponsor the various Scout units to make the call on whether or not to open up their membership to gays.
The Boys Scouts of America is reported to be considering a substantial change to its current position when it comes to gays.
According to CBS News, under the change being considered, it would be up to the different religious and civic groups that sponsor the various Scout units to decide for themselves how to address the issue. These organizations could decide whether to maintain the status quo of excluding gays in youth or leadership roles or open up their membership.
CBS reports this was announced Monday and comes after the organization has taken hits during recent years through petition campaigns and the resulting suspension of funding from some corporations.
BSA spokesman Deron Smith said that under the proposed change, however, the BSA would not dictate a position to the various units, members or parents—it would be entirely up to the relevant organization to make the call.
Should the Boy Scouts of America change its anti-gay stance?
Share what’s on your mind with us, and then return here to see what your neighbors in Paulding, Douglas and Cobb have said.
Norman
8:40 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Who cares. It's a private organization, and people have the right to choose to be a part of it or not. There really is no debate.
Marlene Mitchell
9:06 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
I wish there were a third choice in this poll....Yes, No and It's up to them. My son was in the Boy Scouts and my husband and I were cub scout leaders. It's is a good organization and the safety of the boys was always No. 1. I'm sure there were a few "gay" boys in the packs around the US...they just didn't advertise it or didn't really know themselves. I certainly wouldn't turn a child away because of it nor would I have made it public....not my business. To me he would have been a boy....with no labels.
Let the BSA do what they think is right and leave politics and sponsorship ($$$) out of the equation.
B Cordrey
3:36 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
No adult, should be left alone with a child that is not thiers. There should always be two. Otherwise, straight, gay, who cares
Lowell
1:05 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
As a BSA leader from Den Leader thru Scoutmaster for overall about 16 years, I agree that BSA should be making this decision on their own, and they are. They've won their court cases, so this won't be imposed on them by government. Good. As said above, it will be up to the Chartering Organization. Also good. Many units are chartered by religious organizations and exist as a male youth program of that organization. Those units need to reflect that doctrine. Other units are chartered by organizations such as an environmental, outdoors or community group; even a school's PTA (although national PTA has been backing out of this over the years). Those units should reflect their chartering organization. The one constant is that the Oath includes "...Duty to God..." and the Law includes being "Reverent." There is very broad acceptance of every religion. It really doesn't come up much in a non-religious unit until possibly an Eagle Board of Review. In some districts, an atheist or agnostic might see an issue here.
Adult boy-abuse should be preventable, if the BSA rules are followed. They require "two-deep leadership" under all circumstances and all leaders should be trained in prevention. Peer abuse is an issue that needs to be policed carefully within units (but honestly, in any youth organization!) Again, training.
I'd only object if sexuality filters into the program somehow. It's not there now and should stay out.