23 May 2013

BSA votes to allow gay scouts (but not gay adult leaders)

Good news, bad news -

First, the good news: Today, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) voted to overturn its ban on openly gay Scouts. Now the good things that the BSA teaches to kids will be available to all regardless of whom they will grow up to be attracted to. And the organization will (hopefully) no longer stand for - and teach - bigotry.

Now, the bad news: This vote does not affect the continuing ban on LGBT adult Scout leaders. I don't understand the difference, except to assume that the homophobes are afraid that gay adults are out to seduce and "convert" their impressionable little boys. And that, of course, is nonsense. I have several gay friends who are great role models and would make much better Scout leaders than many straight folks I know.

Nevertheless, today's vote is a step forward and should be celebrated. Hopefully it won't be too long before enough old homophobes bow out and the new generation leads the way to allow LGBT Scout leaders as well.

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