LGBT

As we reported on The LEFT Show, the BSA is considering lifting their ban on gay scouts and scout leaders. They would still allow chartering organizations like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (you know, the Mormons) to keep the ban, but would not prevent more liberal charters from allowing gays. After the Great Salt Lake Council successfully blocked the BSA from making the decision in a regular staff meeting, forcing them to put it to a vote at the National Council convention, the BSA sent out two surveys, one from the National Council and one from the Utah Councils. Both asked very specific questions about whether you felt the ban should be lifted and whether or not you would remain in Scouting if it were. Naturally I answered that I wanted the ban lifted. The national survey put forth scenarios. I’ll paraphrase my favorite (since I didn’t copy and paste the exact quote):

A religious group is the chartering organization of a Scout unit. They are openly accepting of homosexuality and even have a gay youth minister. Traditionally for this organization, the youth minister is assigned as one of the Scoutmasters for the unit. Should the openly gay youth minister be assigned as one of the Scoutmasters?

According the Salt Lake Tribune today, 83% of those surveyed (only 11% responded) in the Utah councils do not want the ban lifted. Honestly, with only 11% responding, I’m shocked it’s only 83%, I thought the number would be in the 90s. Had more than 11% responded  I believe it would be around 50% or even lower. Only those willing to be vocal about it responded, but I know many parents and volunteers involved in Scouting who support (or certainly don’t oppose) lifting the ban.

Both surveys had sections where you could include a comment. The GSL Council page didn’t limit the word count, so here is what I included with my survey:

When I teach my Webelos Den about the First Class Scout badge, we talk about how the fluer de lis was at one time, the symbol for the North point of a compass, and that indicates a Scout always points true. That the eagle on the front represents the United States, that the ribbon below is shaped like a smile, because a Scout is cheerful, and that the knot at the bottom is to remind us to always do a good turn daily. But the one part I make them pay special attention to are the two stars on either side of the eagle. Those stars stand for truth and knowledge, and that without seeking those every day, you have no hope of following the Scout oath or law, since how can you do your duty if you don’t know what it is? How can you be trustworthy if you don’t know what that means?

I believe this knee-jerk reaction to the BSA’s decision in this state is not based on truth and knowledge, but on fear. Fear of change, fear of acceptance, and fear of being wrong. But a Scout is Brave, and we need to be brave as well.

Despite the popular belief in this state and country, no one chooses to be gay. I don’t know this personally, but I do know it from friends and family members that I have spoken to and sought to understand who are gay. The majority of the time, the following is the case: When a boy discovers he is gay, it is the worst time in his life and he is often afraid. Afraid of telling his peers for fear of ridicule or bullying, afraid of telling his parents for fear of rejection, and often afraid of admitting it to himself out of self loathing. Now ask yourself, why on Earth, when that’s is almost always the case, would a boy choose that for himself? The simplest answer is that they don’t, that is just how they are and we might as well accuse them of choosing the color of their eyes. (more…)