The Boy Scouts of America Executive Committee has voted to end the ban on homosexual men which previously declared gay men unsuitable for the position of Troop Leader and Scoutmaster in the wake of the legalization of same-sex marriage, the Christian Science Monitor reports.
Recently, a plethora of Facebook users changed their Facebook profile pictures to a rainbow filter in support of the recent change in legislation which allows couples to marry one another like the rest of the heterosexual population.
Back in 2013, gay Scouts were welcomed to participate in the organization, challenging a precedent that had been in place since the group’s creation. However, gay Scouts were unable to participate in positions of authority and were made exempt from roles such as troop leaders and Scoutmasters.
The dispute has existed for many years, largely as a result of the group’s Christian origins. The Mormon Church was the first partner to sponsor the Scouts. Nationwide, 70 percent of Scout units are sponsored by or affiliated with churches.
Recently the changing scene of LGBT rights has begun to influence Scouts leaders who note that certain Scout units have employed openly gay Scout leaders despite the rules restricting such individuals from leadership roles within the organization.
Robert Gates, a lifelong Scout, declared that the Scouts should “deal with the world as it is, not as we might wish it to be.”
We must deal with the world as it is, not as we might wish it to be. The status quo in our movement’s membership standards cannot be sustained.
Meanwhile, CNN Politics reports that the change may threaten Scout members, particularly young boys.
Scott Walker, a former Eagle Scout notes that the present standing has advanced “Scout values.”
I have had a lifelong commitment to the Scouts and support the previous membership policy because it protected children and advanced Scout values.
On Friday, the vote resulted in gay Scouts being allowed to serve in positions of leadership within the ranks of the organization.
Walker’s comments have been cited as “offensive” by The Human Rights Campaign.
What are your thoughts on the changes in the ban?
