Boy Scouts to allow transgender boys to join

[Randi]

Reversing its stance of more than a century, the Boy Scouts of America said on Monday that the group would begin accepting members based on the gender listed on their application, paving the way for transgender boys to join the organization.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/30/us/boy-scouts-reversing-century-old-stance-will-allow-transgender-boys.html

New York Times/By NIRAJ CHOKSHIJAN. 30, 2017

[HappyMoni]

The Boy Scouts went kicking and screaming and accepted gay people after being threatened. I suspect there was some threat from some sponsors to accept trans people. As far as I know, they don't accept non believers still. So, being a Transgender, Lesbian/Bisexual?, Atheist, I will wish them a good life and hope they continue to "grow" their tolerance.
Monica

[RobynD]

I think you have to state that you believe in a very generic "higher power" now.  So yes, i believe atheists are still left out. Someone closer to scouting can correct me if i am wrong.

[Deborah]

The scout oath contains a reference to God, without specifying which one.  However, what one believes is an individual matter.  Nobody ever asks.  I was a scout and also a Scoutmaster once and the subject of God was never raised other than in reciting the oath.

"Boy Scout Oath or Promise

On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight."

I suppose someone could make an issue of this but they would just be creating a problem where none exists.


It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.
André Gide, Autumn Leaves

[HappyMoni]

I have a confession to make. When my youngest was that age he wanted to join the cub scouts. I let him because it was about him, not me. My confession is that I was so happy when he got bored and quit after a few meetings. All hail, pointed ears and pitchfolks! (Oh I am just kidding!)
Monica
Deborah, they are private group, they can say anything they want. I don't have to join. Respectfully though, the idea of a non believer having to profess a belief in God to be accepted,  is nothing to dismiss.

[Lady Sarah]

I am happy they're doing this. The leaders of tomorrow may be more open minded and forwards thinking, as opposed to what we have today.

[Michelle_P]

I think you have to state that you believe in a very generic "higher power" now.  So yes, i believe atheists are still left out. Someone closer to scouting can correct me if i am wrong.

Nah.  (Atheist here...) My 'higher power' was the universe.   I was asked to explain once.  They never asked again.


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