A group from the religious right called the American Family Association, based in Tupelo Mississippi, is attacking the Girl Scouts because that organization refuses to discriminate against lesbians and gays.
Unlike the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts has always been inclusive. All girls are welcome in Girls Scouts, not just the pretty ones or the popular ones or the skinny ones or the ones with traditional families or the straight ones. Inclusive means just that.
In the mid-90s, the organization went on the public record with a statement to the Associated Press that said it does not discriminate based on sexual orientation.
A few months ago, the Girl Scout national president, Connie Matsui, made favorable remarks about a video called "That's A Family," which positively depicts lesbian and gay family groups. (Ms. Matsui attended a screening at The White House during the final days of the Clinton Administration.)
The bigots at the American Family Association have sent 10,000 letters of protest to the national Girl Scout organization, demanding that Ms. Matsui retract her statement and/or resign.
In contrast, the Girl Scouts have received only 5 -- that's right, five --letters of support. Please write to Ms. Matsui and let her know that you appreciate the Girl Scouts' stand on behalf of diversity. And please forward this message to all of your friends.
Send messages to cmatsui@girlscouts.org
Important to note this directive:
It's important that the Girl Scouts hear from us, since they are beginning to equivocate on their stand. Let them know that they are doing the right thing. -----------------------------------------------------------