Boy Scouts prefer to discriminate
The blog of The Philadelphia Inquirer's Editorial Board.
Boy Scouts prefer to discriminate
Gay scouts and scout leaders will have to remain in the shadows for now due to the Boy Scouts of America’s decision Tuesday to cling to its unenlightened policy of barring openly gay members and scoutmasters.
By reaffirming its exclusionary policy after a secretive internal review, the Boy Scouts missed a chance to put scouting back on the right foot.
At a time when the nation’s views on same-sex marriage are shifting toward acceptance, and when the U.S. military has dropped its ban on gay soldiers, the Boy Scouts’ national leaders are keeping scouting rooted in the past. By contrast, the Girl Scouts of America does not discriminate.
When soldiers trust gay comrades with their lives, why can’t the Boy Scouts trust that scouts and adult scout leaders of different sexual orientations will be able to work with scouts pursuing Eagle Scout badges?
Beyond continuing discrimination, which the courts say is its right as a private group, the national scouting organization assures continued controversy over a policy that has obscured the Boy Scouts’ good works and the important community role that scouting can play in the lives of youths.
In Philadelphia, where officials have waged a pitched legal battle over the local Boy Scouts’ use of their city-owned headquarters, the announcement Tuesday means that it’s time to move ahead with a new strategy to resolve the dispute.
Gay activists in the city are urging Mayor Nutter to sell off the Cradle of Liberty Chapter building to the highest bidder. That certainly would wash the city’s hands of being a landlord for a group that discriminates, as well as raise needed funds the city could use if it loses its fight over legal fees in the case.
why would you wish to belong to a private organization that whose values you do not share. Start your own club. Let it go Inky.— bannedrepublican- You lost they won get over it. Worry about the bigger picture of the Philadelphia Schools that fail children daily. The Philadelphia Inquirer is still beating a dead horse by bulling the Boy Scouts for promoting values and morals that are sadly lacking in today youth. Typical liberal drivel “our idea is the only good one” can’t understand why you lose readership daily?— bluewaterblonde
- Lets have no doubt that the military was NOT on board with this. The Joint Chiefs are political animals and a liberal administration said this is going to happen. The Boy Scouts are one of the last organizations to stick to their moral convictions, if you don't share them you can feel free to find another organization.— itzjake
- Why are there always scenarios, whereas other individuals views, beliefs and ideas are forced upon us. Why can't the gays start their own organization (Gay Scouts)? Leave the Boy Scouts alone. They are an excellent organization and minding their own business.— assumption
