Reacting to "Boy Scouts of America"

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		Reacting to "Boy Scouts of America"xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Posted 7-20-2000

by Nathaniel Batchelder,
The Peace House
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Now that the "BSA" have an official policy to exclude homosexuals from employment, leadership, and membership, on the grounds that homosexuality is an undesirable example of whatever scouting is about, it is imperative that Americans RESPOND to the BSA position.

Some Eagle Scouts and former Scouts are formally returning their badges to the Boy Scouts in protest. This is a bold move whether the individuals are gay or straight, making the point that the BSA discrimination is not consistent with the values and principles of those who celebrate - or at least tolerate - diversity. (The criterion for membership and leadership should be character, not orientation).

Boy Scouts wanting to take this step should get in touch with each other "online" so that badges can be returned publicly by more than one person at a time. Newspapers and TV news might be interested in such returns.

Citizens might write "letters to the editor" to state or county newspapers. Don't ignore the weekly newspapers. Folks turn to "the Letters" to find out what others in their community are thinking.

Members of Congress have introduced legislation to remove the Boy Scouts from the list of organizations which Congress officially "endorses and recommends." It is not binding legislation in any way, but expresses the point that homosexuals are citizens, too, and should not be excluded from organizations recommended by Congress.

I'll offer the point that a significant percentage of Catholic priests are known to be homosexual - - the requirement that they NOT "get married" and the opportunity to serve the world in a respected position, in a manner that does not reveal "their secret" is a powerful motivation for homosexuals to become priests.

I think it is wonderful that some priests are homosexual. It's only that, in that capacity, they serve as spiritual and moral community leaders for adults and youths alike .... something the BSA say they are unfit for.   (The Boy Scouts consider homosexuals "undesirable" whether sexually active or celibate .... none of this "love the sinner, but hate the sin" nonsense for the BSA.)   By contrast, I've always thought homosexuality is wonderful whether homosexuals are sexually active or celibate.

Not long ago, people of mixed races could not get married. It was prohibited by law.   Good folks would say, "It just ain't natural."   Those views are still held by the "KKK" and "Aryan Nation" which are generally viewed as hate-mongering, narrow-minded, prejudiced, and backwards. They claim to be devoutly Christian.

During my 14 months in Vietnam, the best nurse/anesthetist serving in the 85th Evacuation Hospital was a black homosexual named Charles. If you were wounded in the field and got flown to the 85th, it was a lucky day for you if Charles handled your anesthesia. He was a skilled, no-nonsense professional, and a fine guy as well.

If you are a Scout or former Scout who would like to join with others in publicly returning your merit badges, Mr. Batchelder invites you to contact him at BatchOKC@peacehouse.org or 405-524-5577.

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