Editor,
As someone who has been involved in scouts for over 15 years, I must admit that I have been dismayed by the decision of Boy Scouts of America as it relates to homosexual scouts. But before even addressing if the decision conflicts with the Scout Oath and core beliefs, one must first ask why this even became an issue. Specifically, how many boys between the ages of 12 and 17 know at that age that they are gay? I have to believe the number is minuscule. Yet this became a critical issue to sponsors of the BSA and of course gay activists. As Current’s article correctly noted, political correctness is not part of scouting and never should be.
The scout oath specifically requires a scout to be “physically fit” and “morally straight.” For 100 years, I think we knew what “morally straight” meant. Now, it is not so clear. And of course, we had people crying that obese scouts were discriminated against because at the National Jamboree attendees had to meet certain BMI requirements. (Anyone who would have visited the National Jamboree would understand why this was required). So, I guess BSA should toss out “physically fit” because that is not politically correct, either.
I saw recently a parent was complaining that girls were not allowed in boy scouts and I am sure we will here from atheists next. (Yes, duty to God is also in the oath). BSA is a private organization and it is unfortunate that it has been forced to compromise its values and beliefs but unfortunately that is the way of the world today. The line between what is moral and what is not is fading away, and if we aren’t careful great organizations like BSA will no longer exist.
Tom Schultz, 46032