Embarrassed by the Boy Scouts

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I am an Eagle Scout, and the Boy Scouts were an important and meaningful part of my life. I was a Boy Scout camp counselor and active in the BSA until I left to go to college as a teen. The principles of “Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent” are mostly great ethical teachings, although I have always struggled with the obedient one. I have watched the debate within the Boy Scouts regarding acceptance of gay scouts and scout leaders and have been embarrassed by the entire organization’s stand on this issue.

I still have my nearly 50-year old Eagle Scout medal someplace in my home and have considered sending it back as a protest. However, it wasn’t until this week, when I received a solicitation to make a contribution to the BSA, that I fully realized just how idiotic their stand on gay members really was and that as an Eagle Scout, I had an obligation to speak out. I declined the opportunity to make a contribution and made it clear that until the BSA drops its misguided ban on gay scouts and scout leaders, I would completely disassociate myself from the organization.

I have always been proud of achieving the highest rank in scouting, but the BSA has made it an embarrassing stigma instead of an honor. They will once again consider this ban on May 24th, and I urge the delegates to the Scouting National Council to immediately drop their ban on gay Scouts and leaders and enter the 21st century to welcome all who would aspire to the great principles of scouting.

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