Boy Scouts close to ending ban on gay members, leaders

[Numbsong]

Hopefully they make it so each individual group has to except them, it would be a great thing if they did.

[CybilB]

The BSA has a long way to go before they're as awesome and as inclusive as the GSA, but at least the scouts are trying to change. Whether or not they actually do change will probably determine their continued relevance.

I remember way back when, one of the first things that made me realize I was a little different than other kids, was going to boy scouts meetings reluctantly, while being deeply envious of my sister in the girl scouts, who got to do all the fun stuff! 

[KayCeeDee]

Well I heard on the news this weekend that the decision has been bumped to the May annual meeting. Boo!

[CybilB]

:|
I can't say I'm shocked, but at least it's the near future, instead of some interminable delay so they can pretend to consider the issue indefinitely.

[sophieoftn]

I have heard of "boyscout" leaders sexually molesting and raping boys and that is something so serious it cant even be described, only fought. Obviously not all are bad people...thus not all being molested and all, but I will be DAMMED!  before I say that I think "GAY" leaders should be allowed to lead boyscout troops.

Child-molestation isn't a gay thing. It's a pedophilic thing.

Reminds me of when the scandal of the sexual abuse of altar-boys first became a big thing in the news --- and the big church "leaders" who didn't want to do their job and fixed it tried to "solve" the problem by preventing gay men from becoming priests -- thus blaming the problem on gays.

But that doesn't work. A gay man isn't interested in a little boy. He wants a mature, well-built, hairy, muscular, sweaty, man --- pretty much the same thing a straight girl wants. He's not going to get it from a little kid.

Sexual abuse of boys isn't a gay thing. It's a pedophilic thing.

I think if they are serious about fixing laws, and regulations around "boy scout's" they will add a criminal, Personal, and ACTUAL background check on EACH and EVERY individual who shall apply to be a boyscout "Leader"... very simple to me, but of course not so simple to go about it.

Yes --- of course it's a no-brainer that adults who are given such authority over children should be background-checked. But what's this got to do with allowing gay scout leaders? It's like saying "I don't think people should be allowed to wear purple because jumping off a cliff without a parachute or a hand-glider can be dangerous".

I think allowing gay people more rights and freedoms is a beautiful thing, but seriously... Its BOY SCOUTS! boys should be allowed to be boys...

Yes --- let boys be boys. Let ALL boys be boys --- not just straight boys --- ALL boys -- including gay boys.

Oh --- and it will be demeaning if one of these boys, for being gay, is made to know that he (just because he's gay) can't be a scout leader when he grows up.

Once again --- sexual abuse of boys isn't a gay thing. It's a pedophilic thing.

[Sara Thomas]

I came across this organization recently (Scouting with an all-inclusive bent), and while I don't have the time or inclination to be actively involved I am looking into ways in which I can help.

Baden-Powell Service Association
http://bpsa-us.org/

[Anna++]

Yes --- let boys be boys. Let ALL boys be boys --- not just straight boys --- ALL boys -- including gay boys.

What about boys that are really girls?  Or girls that are really boys?

[Shana A]

What about boys that are really girls? 

They can join the Girl Scouts!

Or girls that are really boys?

And they should be able to join Boy Scouts!

Simple.

Z

[Lorri Kat]

Simple.

Z

So simple it makes neanderthals brains explode.  BSA will stand around and talk about it for who knows how long.. GSA  moved on it.. Like,  Ta Day!!!!     

[Kiltieman]

The BSA has a long way to go before they're as awesome and as inclusive as the GSA, but at least the scouts are trying to change. Whether or not they actually do change will probably determine their continued relevance.

I remember way back when, one of the first things that made me realize I was a little different than other kids, was going to boy scouts meetings reluctantly, while being deeply envious of my sister in the girl scouts, who got to do all the fun stuff! 

I know how you felt Cybil. In Scotland here I couldnt wait to join the Scouts so that I could wear my kilts to all our meetings. Back then all Scouts wore kilts as uniform for ceremonial and church parades etc but it was optional for the normal activities. Our Scoutmaster and assistant wore kilts and I wore mine all the time as did a fair number of the boys. I envied my female cousins in the guides because they wore skirts all the time too so when I got into my kilt I was ecstatic as were a few of my friends who also liked kilts and as I found out also liked boys wearing kilts!!
It was never a problem for me but its a good thing that the organisation shiould open up and welcome gay members as at the end of the day we should all be able to live in peaceful coexistance.

[Allana Lovins]

I don't know what I was feeling that day I was pretty emotional my transition is beginning well I found a therapist  and I'm super happy I love everyone sorry for the drama, a great day .

[Jamie D]

Boy Scouts End Longtime Ban on Openly Gay Youths

The Boy Scouts of America on Thursday ended its longstanding policy of forbidding openly gay youths to participate in its activities, a step its chief executive called "compassionate, caring and kind."

The decision, which came after years of resistance and wrenching internal debate, was widely seen as a milestone for the Boy Scouts, a symbol of traditional America. More than 1,400 volunteer leaders from across the country voted, with more than 60 percent approving a measure that said no youth may be denied membership "on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone...."

No similar proposal to allow gay adults was on the agenda, and the executives have said little about how they made the distinction. But in surveys this spring, many parents and volunteers around the country said they were against the idea of openly gay scout leaders.

[Anna++]

Boy Scouts End Longtime Ban on Openly Gay Youths

The Boy Scouts of America on Thursday ended its longstanding policy of forbidding openly gay youths to participate in its activities, a step its chief executive called "compassionate, caring and kind."

The decision, which came after years of resistance and wrenching internal debate, was widely seen as a milestone for the Boy Scouts, a symbol of traditional America. More than 1,400 volunteer leaders from across the country voted, with more than 60 percent approving a measure that said no youth may be denied membership "on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone...."

Good!  This is definitely a step forward.

No similar proposal to allow gay adults was on the agenda, and the executives have said little about how they made the distinction. But in surveys this spring, many parents and volunteers around the country said they were against the idea of openly gay scout leaders. [/i]

We'll have to keep working on leaders... would allowing gay male leaders really be any different than allowing straight female leaders?

[Naomi]

While I am saddened that the BSA isn't more inclusive, and about how I have no clue what my current status means in term of having attained the rank of eagle. I will never be able to deny that the core of the program is a fantastic set of ideals and a solid program for teaching youths valuable skills and just keeping them active.