This is beyond ridiculous. I'm completely baffled as to why this woman and her son were discriminated against. Anyone who knows anything about Scouting knows that for the boys and their families all interaction is local. I was a den leader for many years and my husband was Cub Master for part of that time. Not once did we ever turn a boy away because of his religious (or lack of) affiliation. We felt that those boys were often the ones who would benefit the most from the values taught in Scouting.
Granted, to advance in rank there was always a requirement about discussing your beliefs, attending a church service, etc. I always told the parents when we were going to be discussing this requirement...they were always welcome to be there. My parents knew I would be sharing my family's beliefs with the boys as I thought it might provide an opening for them to discuss it at home. When there was a requirement to attend church, my family and others would take those boys who didn't go to church. Since a den is a fairly tight group, we all got to know each other pretty well and were comfortable with each other, and not once did I ever have a nonreligious parent complain.
Besides, no boy ever joins Scouts for the religion or values. They join to do stuff with their friends and have fun. The moral values are important and boys definitely benefit from having them be an integral part of Scouting, but ask any boy (or man who was a Scout) what they remember, its probably going to be a favorite campout, Scoutcapades, marksmanship or some other adventure.
Cindie
Did this woman think the leaders were going to interrogate her precious little son as to his beliefs about God and MAKE SURE he complied? How ridiculous!