You too can encourage acts of kindness, leadership and community service, while instilling morals and values to boys of all ages - that is, unless you're gay.
The long-standing anti-gay policy of the Boy Scouts of America is being challenged, reviewed and debated upon once again.
In a recent column by Chuck Norris on AmmoLand, the actor accuses President Barack Obama of steering James Turley, one of the organization's national board members, to change the BSA's anti-gay policy and asks if Turley is "working on his own initiative or [whether] the White House prodded him with perks and favors?"
Entertainment Today reports that Turley stated he will "'work from within' the board to overturn the policy," an act Norris credits to the Obama administration. Norris's column begins with the words, "Is it a coincidence . . . ?"
The Boy Scouts of America is a wonderful organization and has had a tremendous impact on young boys and men throughout the United States. It's motto of "do your best" and goal of "building a more conscientious, responsible and productive society," by "helping youth," as listed on their 'about' page of their website, is commendable.
What doesn't make sense is how an organization that prides itself on community and on being upstanding citizens and active members of society with high values and morals could discriminate against those with the same goals.
The argument that the organization is a private one and should be able exclude members as it sees fit is unacceptable. Discrimination against any individual based on their sexual orientation is not commendable, moral or ethical.
The Boy Scouts of America, the last time I checked, does not conduct any lessons, sessions or activities surrounding sexuality. The focus of their activities is on community service and physical activity.
It is wrong to say that someone of a certain sexual preference should not be able to work with kids through a program that prides itself on "community."
