Petition to the BSA

[Guest]

This is for the OP... I will not sign the BSA petition (If that even matters anymore) because I do not believe the BSA include gays when they say, "morally straight".

I'm sure this is what you meant, so I'm going to make the proper correction:

"I will not sign the BSA petition (If that even matters anymore) because I do not believe the BSA include gays engaged in homosexual sexual relationships when they say, "morally straight". "

[DevtheWind]

I'm sure this is what you meant, so I'm going to make the proper correction:

"I will not sign the BSA petition (If that even matters anymore) because I do not believe the BSA include gays engaged in homosexual sexual relationships when they say, "morally straight". "

Whoopsie.. meant a little different but your version is okay

[Shawn_]

There are worse things in the world.

And there are far better things.

[Guest]

It would be an enormous blow to their bottom line if the Church withdrew their business.

[skippy740]

The Boy Scouts of America Clarifies Membership Policy

[Vort]

The Boy Scouts of America Clarifies Membership Policy

Clear, succinct, eminently reasonable. I predict the homosexual lobby will pillory it.

[Just_A_Guy]

That's interesting. KNRS on the Wasatch Front reported just this morning that BSA is undergoing a policy review re the possibility of allowing gay leaders in units that agree with it on a case-by-case basis. This review was anticipated to last until 2013. Supposedly the Church was going to issue a statement in the next day or two.

[BenRaines]

The article I read said that BSA accepted the signed online petition out of respect and it would be discussed in their fall meeting. Didn't read that they would review their policy, as if they would consider changing it.

Ben Raines

[Backroads]

Here's the actual statement we BSA employees received on the matter:

The Boy Scouts of America Clarifies Membership Policy

Contrary to media reports, the Boy Scouts of America has no plans to change its membership policy. The introduction of a resolution does not indicate the organization is “reviewing” a policy or signal a change in direction.

Resolution:

In April, a single individual submitted a resolution asking the Boy Scouts to consider amending its policy on not granting membership to open or avowed homosexuals. The resolution asked that the policy be amended to allow local units to determine their own standards.

Scouting’s voting members may submit resolutions, which represent that individual’s personal viewpoint, for consideration at the national annual business meeting. As directed by its bylaws, on May 31, the BSA assigned the resolution to a committee that will consider the resolution and present a report to the National Executive Board.

Resolutions and petitions on this subject are not unique and go back as far as 2000, when the U.S. Supreme Court reviewed this matter, and have been widely covered in the media since that time. In addition, in the past individuals have submitted resolutions asking the BSA to reaffirm its current policy. Those resolutions were handled in the same manner.

The introduction of a resolution is procedural and handled with respect but does not indicate the organization is “reviewing a policy” or signal a change in direction.

Petition:

Completely unrelated to the introduction of this resolution, on May 27, an online petition asked the Boy Scouts to meet with a spokesperson from the group circulating the petition and accept signatures generated from the online petition, which asked the BSA to change its policy.

While it was not on the Boy Scouts’ national business meeting agenda, out of courtesy and respect for differing viewpoints, the BSA accepted the petition during a private meeting. This meeting to accept the petition was not related in any way to the introduction of the resolution.

BSA Policy:

The BSA policy is: “While the BSA does not proactively inquire about the sexual orientation of employees, volunteers, or members, we do not grant membership to individuals who are open or avowed homosexuals or who engage in behavior that would become a distraction to the mission of the BSA.”

Scouting believes same-sex attraction should be introduced and discussed outside of its program with parents, caregivers, or spiritual advisers, at the appropriate time and in the right setting. The vast majority of parents we serve value this right and do not sign their children up for Scouting for it to introduce or discuss, in any way, these topics.

The BSA is a voluntary, private organization that sets policies that are best for the organization. The BSA welcomes all who share its beliefs but does not criticize or condemn those who wish to follow a different path.

[unixknight]

This isn't about child molestation, "gay contagion" or homophobia. Those are all red herrings used by both sides because there's no way to come to an understanding on the core issue.

The core issue is that any scout leader is in a position where he must offer moral guidance and set an example for the scouts that is consistent with the morality and beliefs of the BSA as well as the sponsoring organization. An openly homosexual man would thus be put in a position of a moral conflict. In order to perform his duty to the moral expectations of the BSA, he would have to lie about who he is. A lie is, itself, a morally bad thing and so the result is a massive distraction to the program, exactly as they state it.

It's unfortunate that the political climate in this country has reached a stage where the BSA itself has become either a pawn or a target depending on the agenda being pushed. The BSA program has, for decades, been an excellent tool for teaching young men skills, friendship, fellowship and pride. Now, all that is at risk of being tossed out as it becomes yet another target for a culture that no longer seems to value morality as traditionally held.

Do I think a gay man could be a good scout leader? Sure, why not? But would I endorse bringing in gay leaders? No. It puts them in an awkward and conflicting position, not because they're "icky" or "contagious" but because it asks of them something that can't be asked and remain consistent with the very morality the BSA is supposed to value.

I used to be a Webelos Den Leader (as my calling at Church), so I know of what I speak.