Boy Scouts officials confuse issue

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Boy Scouts officials sent a confusing message last week with their proposal to lift the group's ban on openly gay Scouts, while continuing to bar openly gay Scout leaders from participating in the organization.

What was likely intended as a compromise - an attempt to represent a broad, diverse constituency whose millions of members include some who object to the inclusion of gay scouts, leaders and same-sex families - comes across as offensive.

In trying to please everyone, the committee has managed to come up with a plan to please no one - while sending dangerous, conflicting messages to our youth, gay or straight. It looks more like an attempt to look good than a stab at doing the right thing.

The resolution, which will go to voting members of the National Council on May 23, is the result of a months-long review of current “don't ask, don't tell” policy regarding the participation of gay youth and adults. It would prohibit the exclusion of youth from Scouting programs solely on the basis of sexual orientation, but does not remove the ban on gay adult volunteers.

That continued ban reflects an ignorance that speaks just as loudly, if not more loudly, to gay Scouts than their so-called acceptance under the proposed new rule. It implies that gay men pose a threat to Scouting youth - that their mere presence invites some physical or moral danger.

What are Scouts - gay and straight - to think? That it's OK to be gay as a teenager, but not as an adult? That it's acceptable to discriminate against gay men, but not against gay boys?

The policy proposal suggests to gay Scouts they have no hope of becoming the responsible leader and participating citizen that Boy Scouts is training them to be.

Most important, it distracts from the organization's core mission, which is to build character, encourage fitness and train youth for adult responsibilities - none of which have anything to do with sexual orientation.

Boy Scouts of America is doing right by examining how best to carry out its mission in today's diverse and inclusive society. But last week's proposal clearly shows they haven't yet found the answer.

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