In a major policy reversal, the Boy Scouts of America made a statement that the organization will probably allow professed homosexuals to hold leadership positions in the organization. The final decision will be made next week during the upcoming executive meeting held in Irving, Texas the first week in February.
Pressed by The Christian Post, the BSA provided an emailed statement: “Currently, the BSA is discussing potentially removing the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation. This would mean there would no longer be any national policy regarding sexual orientation, and the chartered organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting would accept membership and select leaders consistent with each organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs. BSA members and parents would be able to choose a local unit that best meets the needs of their families.”
“The policy change under discussion would allow the religious, civic, or educational organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting to determine how to address this issue,” the statement continued. “The Boy Scouts would not, under any circumstances, dictate a position to units, members, or parents. Under this proposed policy, the BSA would not require any chartered organization to act in ways inconsistent with that organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs.”
This change in policy is in opposition to a Supreme Court judgment in 2000 ruling that the BSA did not have to include homosexuals since homosexuality runs contrary to the BSA’s expressive message. When the CP asked the BSA why they changed their position even when they have the Supreme Court’s backing, officials said it was the result of “dialogue within the Scouting family.”
Nearly 70 percent of local Scouting organizations are affiliated with faith-based organizations.
