Good News, Bad News: Boy Scouts Only Go Halfway and Half-Assed

So, the Boy Scouts of America [BSA], at their convention in Dallas this week, voted 61% to 38% to allow gay Scouts, but not to allow gay scout leaders. 

Yes, this means that young gay boys can ne scouts and rise through the ranks all the way to Eagle Scout, but if they want to be Scout leaders, well, they can't, because they're gay.

The BSA Statement:

"For 103 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been a part of the fabric of this nation, with a focus on working together to deliver the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.

"Based on growing input from within the Scouting family, the BSA leadership chose to conduct an additional review of the organization's long-standing membership policy and its impact on Scouting's mission. This review created an outpouring of feedback from the Scouting family and the American public, from both those who agree with the current policy and those who support a change.

"Today, following this review, the most comprehensive listening exercise in Scouting's history the approximate 1,400 voting members of the Boy Scouts of America's National Council approved a resolution to remove the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation alone.

….

"This policy change is effective Jan. 1, 2014, allowing the Boy Scouts of America the transition time needed to communicate and implement this policy to its approximately 116,000 Scouting units.

"The Boy Scouts of America will not sacrifice its mission, or the youth served by the movement, by allowing the organization to be consumed by a single, divisive, and unresolved societal issue. As the National Executive Committee just completed a lengthy review process, there are no plans for further review on this matter.

"While people have different opinions about this policy, we can all agree that kids are better off when they are in Scouting. Going forward, our Scouting family will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth in order to help them grow into good, strong citizens. America's youth need Scouting, and by focusing on the goals that unite us, we can continue to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve."

The responses:

GLAAD spokesperson, Rich Ferraro:

"Today's vote is a significant victory for gay youth across the nation and a clear indication that the Boy Scouts' ban on gay adult leaders will also inevitably end. The Boy Scouts of America heard from religious leaders, corporate sponsors and so many Scouting families who want an end to discrimination against gay people, and GLAAD will continue this work with those committed to equality in Scouting until gay parents and adults are able to participate."

Jennifer Tyrrell, who was kicked out as leader of her son's Cub Scout pack because she's gay:

"When I was kicked out of the Boy Scouts last April, I was devastated. Having to look my son, Cruz, in the eye and tell him that our family isn't good enough was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Today is truly a watershed moment for me, but even more so for the millions of kids across this country, who will now be allowed to serve in the Scouts without fear of rejection. I'm so proud of how far we've come, but until there's a place for everyone in Scouting, my work will continue."

Greg Bourke, who was ousted as Scoutmaster of his son's Boy Scouts troop because he is gay:

"This is an historic day in the 103-year history of the Boy Scouts of America -- the day it finally found its moral compass and started down the long trail to equality in Scouting. No longer will gay Boy Scouts have to hide their sexual orientation from fear of being criticized and ousted from the Boy Scout membership rolls. That is definite progress, but even with this approved membership change, gay adults like Jennifer Tyrrell and myself will continue to be banned from serving in the Scouts, even in units with our own children. There is no other word for that except 'discrimination.'"

Eric Andresen, who launched a petition to demand the change in BSA policy after his son, Ryan, was kicked out of the Scouts for being gay:

"We are relieved to hear that other Scouts will not have to suffer the rejection and expulsion that Ryan experienced, and we’re glad to see that the BSA is finally starting to see how harmful its discriminatory policies have been. Had this policy been in place just 8 months ago, Ryan would already be an Eagle Scout, and he could've avoided so much pain."

Pascal Tessier, whose Change.org petition received more than 128,000 signatures:

"Just a few hours ago, I was thinking that today could be my last day as a Boy Scout. Obviously, for gay Scouts like me, this vote is life-changing. Like my brother before me, I now have a chance to earn my Eagle award -- something that’s taken most of my life to achieve. Finally, Scouts are no longer forced to choose between upholding the Scout Oath and being open and honest about who they really are as a person."

Zach Wahls, Eagle Scout and Founder of Scouts for Equality, and son of two gay moms:

“Today’s vote ending discrimination of gay Scouts is truly a historic moment and demonstrates the Boy Scouts of America’s commitment to creating a more inclusive organization. Scouts for Equality is honored to be a part of the movement that has achieved a tremendous victory towards the fight for equality in America and we are proud to call ourselves Scouts. We look forward to the day where we can celebrate inclusion of all members and are committed to continuing our work until that occurs.”

My take?

This is all well and good, I guess, but isn't it a little separate but equal? I mean, the BSA will allow a young gay man to be a scout, and to achieve any level of scouting possible, but the minute that young man decides he wants to continue with the organization he will be told that his sexual orientation won't allow it.

How can you be a gay scout and not be allowed to be a gay scout leader?

The BSA needs to be fully accepting and open and tolerant and stop this halfway, half-assed agenda.

via Towleroad