As private group, Scouts can determine members

The April 28 articles, “Pro/Con: Should the Boy Scouts allow gay members and leaders,” cast aspersions on one of the finest private leadership programs in the United States, The Boy Scouts of America.

One of the articles suggests that the public needs to question supporting the Boy Scouts because they restrict their membership to those who share the same set of values. These values are exemplified in the 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.”

Gay supporters want to force the Boy Scouts to accept anyone into their private organization. Because there has been resistance by the Boy Scouts, they have been harshly criticized for the tenets that are the cornerstone for their success. And, if the Boy Scouts object, then gay supporters want to punish this organization by using the power of government.

The Boy Scouts is one of the best programs for creating future leaders. As a private moral organization, like any other private organization, it has the right to control its membership.

If other entities/Gazette desire it differently, then they have the right to form their own private organization and exclude the Boy Scouts.

Gary C. Young

Cedar Rapids