Posted on 05/22/2013 9:53:21 AM PDT by MacNaughton
Meeting Thursday in Grapevine, Texas, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America will decide whether it will retain or revise its historic membership policy on the issue of homosexuality. The 1,400 voting members of the B.S.A. National Council hold the future of one of America’s most iconic organizations in their hands. In reality, they are not only deciding a matter of membership policy. They are actually deciding the future of the entire organization.
The culture wars came to the Boy Scouts many years ago. For the last few decades, the Boy Scouts have had to fight battles with both secularists and homosexual activists. The secular challenge came first, with demands that the Scouts drop their historic requirement that boys affirm belief in God as a criterion for membership. Soon thereafter, the demand for the full inclusion of homosexual members and leaders followed. The Scouts have had to fight legal battles both locally and nationally, costing the venerable organization millions of dollars in legal fees. In 2000, the B.S.A. prevailed at the U.S. Supreme Court when the nation’s highest court ruled that the Boy Scouts had a constitutional right to exclude openly gay boys and leaders from the organization, so long as that exclusion is based in one of the organization’s core convictions — an “expressive message.” The B.S.A. won the case because that is exactly what they claimed. They argued that excluding openly homosexual boys and leaders from Scouting was necessary and required by the Scout Oath.
Last year, the B.S.A.’s board affirmed the policy in no uncertain terms. Bob Mazzuca, then the organization’s chief executive, said: “The vast majority of the parents of youth we serve value their right to address the issues of same-sex orientation within their family, with spiritual advisors and at the appropriate time and in the right setting.” In other words, the B.S.A.’s chief executive said that the board recognized that “the vast majority of parents” did not want the policy changed. Deron Smith, the B.S.A.’s national spokesman said that a special committee asked to advise the national board “came to the conclusion that this policy is absolutely the best policy for the Boy Scouts.”
That was less than a year ago. Then, just a few months later, everything changed. Earlier this year, the B.S.A. announced a proposed change that would remove the restriction as a matter of national policy, leaving the decision about the inclusion of openly homosexual scouts and leaders to local units. This proposal, rushed after a leak within the organization let the word out to the public, was greeted with a firestorm of protest. As many predicted, that policy proposal went nowhere. A local option on an issue of this importance would satisfy no one and would lead to geographical problems that would be insurmountable. Furthermore, parents would be in the position of having to interview local Scout units in order to determine which did and did not accept openly homosexual scouts.
Shortly after that proposal was released, it was withdrawn. Then the B.S.A. announced that it would ask people from all levels of scouting, including parents, to participate in a survey on the issue. That survey, filled with strangely awkward and candid questions, was received by the B.S.A. a few weeks ago. Then, last month, the B.S.A. announced its new proposal, and the National Council will decide its fate on Thursday.
The new proposal calls for the inclusion of openly homosexual boys within the Boy Scouts, but retains the exclusion of openly-gay adults. For a second time, the B.S.A. attempted to find a compromise solution that would, at least, buy the organization some time. But, for a second time, the organization actually created an impossible and unworkable proposal that, once again, will please no one.
The problems with the new policy are legion. In the first place, it fundamentally surrenders the very “expressive message” that had been recognized by the Supreme Court back in 2000. Surrendering that core conviction is, in itself, both a moral and a legal disaster. There is no reason to believe that the federal courts will now allow the B.S.A. to exclude gay adult leaders if the organization abandons its “expressive message” that homosexuality is incompatible with the values of Scouting. Some external observers have suggested that the B.S.A., fully aware of their legal surrender, just expects a court to require them to allow openly-homosexual adults as leaders, freeing the B.S.A. board from responsibility for making that decision. That will not wash. In reality, they are making that decision now.
The other problems are complex and awkward. How, exactly, are openly-gay boys to be included in the activities of Scouting? We are talking about boys who will now be expected to participate in everything from camping trips to travel with boys who are openly gay. Boys of these ages just might be the least equipped of all God’s creatures to deal with the complexities of the situation. Most parents are likely to decide that, all things considered, this is just not something they want imposed on their sons.
The B.S.A., to its credit, has made clear that all forms of sexual activity are incompatible with the values of Scouting. But, while this is clearly meant to preclude any form of sexual contact, sexual activity is a far broader category, including how an individual presents himself to others. Given the inclusion of openly gay Scouts, any advocacy of belief that homosexuality is sinful will not be tolerated.
What about transgender and “gender questioning” scouts? Public high schools across the country are now dealing with the fact that a student born one gender can demand to play on a sports team of the opposite gender, if a transgender identity is claimed. How will the B.S.A. deal with that issue? It is hard to imagine that their inclusion of openly gay Scouts can avoid the necessary inclusion of transgender and gender questioning youth. Legal authorities increasingly tell organizations and schools that if a young person claims to be a boy (or a girl) the youth must be recognized as whatever gender the youth claims. How is that going to work at your local Boy Scout troop?
Add to this the lack of credibility in a policy that will allow a boy to join the Scouts and progress through ranks, but then require his exit the day he turns 18. Neither side in this controversy can respect that inherent aspect of the proposed policy.
The religious liberty issues are already urgent. About 70% of all B.S.A. units are chartered by churches and religious organizations, the majority of which believe that homosexuality is a sin. Some units chartered by Christian churches require boys to affirm a specific faith commitment and a set of moral guidelines. Will those now be forbidden by national B.S.A. policy?
This policy proposal is a disaster. The B.S.A.’s national leadership has brought their organization to the brink of catastrophe. At the same time, we can recognize that the B.S.A. has been the target of unrelenting pressure for decades now. Press reports indicate that some of the members of the national board have been threatened with shareholder action if they, as corporate leaders, do not deliver on the demand for change.
Furthermore, we must sympathize with the organization’s rightful hope to include as many boys as possible within its honored and respected program. At this point, we should remember that homosexual scouts and scouts with any number of sexual confusions have always been involved in Scouting. But this new policy relates to openly homosexual youth. Bringing that advocacy within an organization for boys is both unwise and calamitous.
A recent Washington Post/ABC News poll indicated that 63% of Americans believe that the B.S.A. should welcome gay scouts and 56% would lift the ban on gay adult leaders. But the survey undertaken by the B.S.A. revealed that of the 200,000 parents, Scouting leaders, and Scouts surveyed, 61% supported maintaining the current policy of excluding gays. Will the members of the B.S.A. National Council listen to their own constituency? If so, the policy will not change.
I am a former Boy Scout who gained much from my experience as a boy in Scouting. I greatly respect the work of countless volunteers and the involvement of legions of boys in the program. I understand the pressures the Boy Scouts of America now faces, and I can sympathize with the board’s attempt to find an escape from such a public controversy. But this proposed policy spells disaster for the Scouts, and, if adopted, that disaster will not be long in coming. The policy proposal the B.S.A. National Council will face on Thursday would surrender principle and forfeit the future of one of the nation’s most honored organizations. The B.S.A. now stands on the brink of disaster. The future of the movement now rests in the hands of the only people who can turn the Boy Scouts back from the brink.
I have a gay kid in my Scout troop although he may have flipped back to hetero.
May the Almighty take pity on you and comfort you. Tough week, indeed. My condolences on the loss of your father.
The older homos will molest the younger ones. If they go homo, pull your boys out of the scouts. They had a nation-wide perv ring operating prior to law suits in the 80’s and these rules banning homos from the scouts.
The homos have been trying ever since to get back in. We had two in our family raped in the scouts in the 60s.
Gay sex has no place in the scouts.
thanks for the ping pal.
Having just read about the Brit soldier having his head chopped off and ten dealing with a wanna be tough guy and now this then I’m just fuming
People forget history are doomed to repeat it, and they are repeating it. Homosexuals are mentally deranged and that derangement causes them to also be pedophiles.
I wouldn’t let my child get anywhere near a homosexual in any setting.
Being apart from the rest of the world in its commitment to values is what makes the Scouts what they are. Once they abandon that, they're just another group of the same old same old.
This is disturbing and distressing.
Scout leadership gives in to this then Scouting is done IMO . As a Eagle Scout I enjoyed what scouting taught me. The professional career building skills I learned regarding leadership in scouting carried me through 26 years in the military and the past 19 as a civilian contractor.... Skills refined over the years yet the basics were embedded from tenderfoot to eagle.
Can’t see the leadership allowing such PC immoral change without compromising the Scout Oath at the very least. Doom on the leadership if they do.
Note that the Boy Scout Oath has traditionally been considered to have three promises. Those three promises are delineated by the semicolons in the Oath, which divide it into three clauses. The three promises of the Scout Oath are, therefore:
Duty to God and country,
Duty to other people, and
Duty to self
DUTY TO GOD AND COUNTRY: Your family and religious leaders teach you to know and serve God. By following these teachings, you do your duty to God.
Men and women of the past worked to make America great, and many gave their lives for their country. By being a good family member and a good citizen, by working for your country’s good and obeying its laws, you do your duty to your country. Obeying the Scout Law means living by its 12 points.
DUTY TO OTHER PEOPLE: Many people need help. A cheery smile and a helping hand make life easier for others. By doing a Good Turn daily and helping when you’re needed, you prove yourself a Scout and do your part to make this a better world.
DUTY TO SELF: Keeping yourself physically strong means taking care of your body. Eat the right foods and build your strength. Staying mentally awake means learn all you can, be curious, and ask questions. Being morally straight means to live your life with honesty, to be clean in your speech and actions, and to be a person of strong character.
Morally Straight ......
Quite true. Homosexuality is characterized by sexual perversion. Sexual union between same sex couples can only be achieved by deviant and risky behavior resulting in mental and physical health issues, and added costs.
Anyone with significant experience camping and hiking with boys would NEVER allow openly homosexual boys because that would destroy the trek.
Officially endorsing gay scouts would do nothing more than support a transient popular culture that will not endure because it is counter to natural law.
Endorsing a policy contrary to natural law and common sense will only introduce chaos and seal the destruction of a highly successful program. ...very sad indeed.
It is worse than this. Churches will also have to make the decision whether they will continue to sponsor Boy Scout troops. If they allow it, they then run into the potential argument that they must allow other homosexual groups to use their facilities under the non-discrimination and civil rights laws.
Our attorney general and Civil Rights Commission here are already arguing that churches are “public accommodations” and therefore cannot exclude homosexuals from using the church for same-sex ceremonies.
Thus far, churches have opposed under the argument of religious freedom. However, once you permits some homosexual groups to use your facility, it is difficult you cannot be forced to allow all homosexual groups.
My church, which has sponsored a Boy Scout Troup for years, will end their relationship with the BSA if the policy is changed. That’s a shame, but Christians can’t compromise on immorality. The same thing will happen in thousands of churches and parishes all over the country. The end of this great institution is near.
I suspect my church will do the same thing, although we haven’t discussed it on Session yet. But we could not sponsor an organization whose values are counter to Scripture.
That would be the right thing to do, but they are not interested in doing the right thing.
The Boy Scouts is where the $Billions in dollars and real estate are. The gay commies will get all that just by edging in, and running all the Boy Scouts and their parents away.
It has worked like a charm in just about every organized religion in the USA.
Correct. They are totalitarian perverts, and their goal is to DESTROY the Boy Scouts of Amercia.
VOTE NO ON ALLOWING SODOMITES TO INFEST THE BOYS SCOUTS!
http://www.onmyhonor.net/2013/05/22/onmyhonor-nets-ad-in-the-dallas-morning-news/
A quote from the sci-fi character, Jean Luc Picard.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: I will not sacrifice the Enterprise. We’ve made too many compromises already; too many retreats. They invade our space and we fall back. They assimilate entire worlds and we fall back. Not again. The line must be drawn here! This far, no further! And *I* will make them pay for what they’ve done.
Last night (Wednesday), we watched the Baltimore 10PM news channel. They covered this story and then presented 3 Tweets — or it may have been emails — from viewers. All 3 comments were pro-homo regarding the BSA. The media are pushing this narrative big time just like they did with redefining “marriage”. Makes me sick.
America will be destroyed by these cancerous growths in our society if we let them attack our vital organs. I say cut out the cancerous gay commies and save the body.
I notice that the homosexuals have gotten the spam/virus software to warn you that the site is “not safe.” I find that happening on more and more pro-family, pro-marriage and Christian websites, if they take a stand against homosexuality and sexual immorality.
Just dropped off two sons at their scout meeting tonight, and on the way home, the news reported the BSA decision on the radio.
I don’t want to have this talk yet with my youngest son, but, for him, I’ll have to look for another organization for young boys. (Just like American Heritage Girls is now an alternative for Girl Scouts, there must be an alternative for boys.)
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