US: 50-year Boy Scout veteran resigns, citing anti-gay policy
A member of the Boy Scouts of America for over 50 years has resigned over the organisation’s discriminatory policy which does not allow openly gay volunteers, members or staff.
Bill Moser wrote an impassioned letter to the BSA saying he thought the policy was “wrong”, and that the exclusionary policy goes against the principles of scouting.
Speaking to the Leaf Chronicle, Bill Moser said he did not understand why the policy was even in place, because at the joining age of six, for Cub Scouts, he said it was too young for members to know about their sexuality, and that at around fourteen, upon coming out, the worst thing that could happen is to be told to leave the organisation.
Mr Moser’s letter to the BSA is available to read below.
The Boy Scouts of America provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and develops personal fitness.
I have been actively involved with Scouting for over 50 years, and my personal experience with Scouting has reinforced my belief that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible and productive society. Teaching or practicing intolerance IS NOT in the Scout Oath or Law. The Scouting Trail begins in the 1st Grade with the Tiger Cub program and ends at age 18 for youth participation.
I personally do not believe a 6-year-old boy has a clue about sexuality. I also believe the policy advocated by the Middle Tennessee Council which would require Scouts who discover they are gay to either resign or violate the 1st Scout Law (Trustworthy) is WRONG.
The Boy Scouts of America is currently embroiled in a debate over whether to lift its ban on gay volunteers, members and staff. In February, it delayed a vote on whether or not to lift the ban until this month “due to the complexity of the issue”.
