The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) National Executive Board will vote next week on whether to remove the ban on openly homosexual youth and adult leaders from its national membership policy. It will leave the issue for each individual Scouting unit to decide for itself. A vote on the matter by BSA is planned during an executive meeting in Irving, Texas, the first week of February.
I recently approached a California Boy Scout leader to ask his opinion.
Steve Macias: Some have asked if this is a repeat of what happened in the Girl Scouts where, “there are no membership policies on sexual preference.”
BSA Leader: I honestly do not know. I’m concerned that the fix may already be in. This ‘reconsideration’ was kept secret from the membership and chartering partners and only became public when someone in the national office leaked the news to the press. It was just seven months ago that the BSA National Executive Board confirmed the prohibition on openly homosexual youth and adult leaders. So the proposed change in policy has taken everyone by surprise.
Steve Macias: Is an alternative viable?
BSA Leader: It has already been done. When the Girl Scouts of America succumbed to the dark side several years [ago], a group split off to form American Heritage Girls (AHG) and they have been growing slowly throughout the country. AHG is based on biblical principles and has a partnership with the Boy Scouts. They were one of the first sources to confirm that the Boy Scouts were being seduced by the dark side.
Steve Macias: Do you think other Boy Scout leaders would follow?
BSA Leader: Although it would be a challenge, it is possible to build an alternative organization. The Boy Scouts have already established the model, which is half the battle. The hard part is to get the churches behind it. Many churches see Scouts as competition and not a complement to their own youth programs. If the churches support such a movement, it can succeed. But if they turn their backs as they so often do, then a new organization will have difficulty gaining traction.
Steve Macias: Should we as Christians consider leaving this organization?
BSA Leader: Regardless of what happens next week, I am not leaving the Boy Scouts. I will stay and stand firm on my principles which happen to be the principles the Scouting movement was founded upon. I will not run away or abandon ship. I will stay and fight as long as I am able. I am tired of surrendering ground. Unfortunately, this move is being driven by financial concerns. I pray the BSA does not sell out its values for money and political and social acceptance.
There are two ways that you can express your opinion. You can call (972) 580-2330 or you can send an email to nationsupportcenter@scouting.org. Please take the time to voice your opinion on this issue at your earliest opportunity.
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