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Should the Boy Scouts Stop Banning Gay Men and Atheists?
Filed under: In The News
Jon Langbert, a father in Dallas, was told recently that he was no longer allowed to hold a leadership position in his son's Cub Scout troop because he is gay. He was also asked not to wear his Scout uniform at troop events.
"We do have a policy that avowed gays and atheists are not allowed to be a registered leader or member of Boy Scouts of America," Pat Currie, speaking on behalf of the Boy Scouts of America, tells WFAA-TV. Currie is a Scout executive with the Circle Ten Council.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in the past that the Scouts may set any rules they like for membership because they are a private organization.
Do you think that the Boys Scouts of America should stop banning gay men and atheists?
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
10-20-2010 @ 5:00PM
Frank said...I am an Eagle scout and a gay man. I was a Boy Scout before the Mormon took over the organization and it became so hateful. It was a tremendous experience for me, contrasting greatly with the bullying I endured at school. Boy Scouts should not teach discrimination in action or policy.
Reply
10-22-2010 @ 7:12AM
arg2015153 said...It's not an issue of fairness. It's an issue of safety. Period. Nothing is preventing anyone from forming Gay Scouts of America or a similar organization. And if you want to do that, good luck and Godspeed. But leave the Boy Scouts alone.
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10-21-2010 @ 10:34AM
efem said...Are you kidding, look at the stats, FAR more straight men are child molesters than gay men...There is NO safety issue having gay men around children. By the way I am a straight grandmother of 3 and would not hesitate to allow my kids, and grandkids to be around and yes even babysat by a gay man. The issue is, Is the man gay or straight trust worthy, not his sexual orentation, by your standard women should not be trusted with boys ie they might find them sexualy attractive. Just a weird way to look at the world...
10-21-2010 @ 10:17PM
Ted N. said...By this inane logic, then men should not be allowed to be father's. According to your thinking, if they are gay they are a threat to their sons; if they are straight, they are a threat to their daughters. Plain stupidity.
10-20-2010 @ 8:38PM
Heather said...What safety issues? Most pedophiles are straight men. If that is what you were insinuating. Do you think they are going to start teaching the boys about how to be gay? Is that something you learn? Do you think it is contagious? Stop being idiots and ignorant.
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10-20-2010 @ 11:48PM
Ray said..."We do have a policy that avowed gays and Jews are not allowed to be a registered leader or member of Boy Scouts of America." How do you think that would go down? And the BSA may be a private organization but it receives large amounts of public money. I don't want my tax dollars subsidizing hatred.
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10-21-2010 @ 8:30AM
Heather2 said...I think it is a terrible policy and I hope they change this some day. And I agree with Heather. What safety issues?? And do they really receive public money?? That is not okay in my opinion at all.
My son wanted to join the boy scouts but we talked about it and I explained why I am uncomfortable being apart of an organization that discriminates against gay people. He was disappointed, but totally understands and agrees. If this was in the 40's and they were discriminating against black people, I would do the same thing.
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10-21-2010 @ 9:00AM
njtomrod said...I absolutely agree with keeping them out!!!! My skin crawls at the thought.
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10-21-2010 @ 10:34AM
efem50 said...Shame on you, homophobia is disgusting.
10-22-2010 @ 11:13AM
ronster said...njtomrod said: "I absolutely agree with keeping them out!!!! My skin crawls at the thought".
Which them are you referring to, gays or atheists? Do you really think that a gay man would want to be a scout leader just so he could molest boys? That would be insanity. All types of people want to pass on their love of the outdoors and their skills and knowledge. Gay men do not just think about sex all the time, like everyone else they have many interests. As for atheists, just look at the percentage of atheists in prison compared to the number in the general population. You will find it extremely low as compared to the percentage of religious people. Your child would be safe with them more often that with those professing religious belief. Try thinking a little and realize that not everyone is like you and "they" can be good people even if they don't have your genetic makeup and beliefs.
10-21-2010 @ 10:13PM
Ted N. said...Yes.
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10-22-2010 @ 5:01PM
arg2015153 said...More pedophiles are heterosexual men because there are more heterosexual men. They pursue young girls which is but one reason you don't find male leaders in the Girl Scouts. As a percentage of population, however, more pedophiles are homosexual. Keep them out of the Boy Scouts. Pure and simple. It's got nothing to do with hate, and everything to do with safety. Take a look at NAMBLA literature and then decide if you want your little Johnny on an overnight with Bruce.
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12-29-2010 @ 3:18PM
pcnightmare said...The Boy Scouts of America are a private organization with the right to establish their own membership requirements. As someone above has stated, no one is keeping them from starting their own organization. The idea that a gay Scoutmaster are more likely to molest your son than a straight Scoutmaster is asinine, however, I applaud BSA for having the courage of their convictions. Allowing gay leadership would amount to tacit approval of their lifestyle.
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