Boy Scouts to Allow Gay Youth; Gay Leaders Still Banned

Last week the Boy Scouts of America voted to end their century old ban on allowing gay youths into the organization.  Amid loud cries from the extreme right, openly gay youths can now participate in all scouting activities …. until they’re 18.  The ban on gay scout leaders will remain.

Although I am glad they are welcoming gay youth, I am curious about the message they are sending.  It seems being gay is fine until you reach adulthood, then you become a social pariah that should be feared and kept away from children.  Really?

I can only imagine they have listened to the lies and distortions put forward by evangelical christian hate groups like the Family Research Council and Focus on the Family.  Bryan Fischer, the “christian” radio host of the American Family association suggests the BSA change its name to “Boy Sodomizers of America”.  Jesus would be so proud.

All changes toward equality are good, but I can’t imagine a gay scout would truly feel welcome in such an environment.  I am so glad my own son found scouting to be a waste of time (much as I did when I was in grade school) so I really didn’t have to be involved as a parent.

Here’s hoping they will reflect on the message they are sending and open their doors to everyone in the near future.  In the meantime, I would hope parents would think hard before allowing their kids to be part of a half-inclusive organization.