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[tombogan03884]

The Boy Scouts were founded based on a specific set  of morals and a particular code of conduct.
Regardless of your opinion of Gays taking it up the azz is not included in either of those  founding principles.

[MikeBjerum]

I was a Scout.  I know the standards in place when I was a Scout, and I understand the many pressures that have been placed on the Scouts to change.  I still remember when Girl Scouts were not good enough for some, so organizations took BSA to court to force them to admit females.

It has been stated here by others that the Boy Scouts of America is a private organization with very clear and understood standards in all areas.  That does not mean there have not been lapses by some, but the intent of the small gate and solid fence remains.  If you are not a member, not employee or volunteer, butt out, and let the organization continue to strengthen our male youth.

[fightingquaker13]

The Boy Scouts were founded based on a specific set  of morals and a particular code of conduct.
Regardless of your opinion of Gays taking it up the azz is not included in either of those  founding principles.

This has been the opinion of the Court. Creedal Organizations, those based around a shared set of belifs are held to looser standards than non-creedal groups. Translation: The BSA can get away with things the Rotary Club can't in terms of choosing who gets to be a member since they are brought together by a shared creed. That said, I think the idea that the word "straight" in the Scout motto means what those oppose gays means what they say it does is a joke. Still, it is for the organization to decide that for themselves. If I had a kid in scouts with a gay scoutmaster it wouldn't bother me if he were in a long standing relationship. If not? I'd be volunteering to chaperone every camping trip. But its really no different than some girl's dad being the scoutmaster for a group of girl scouts. You have a heightened awareness, but there's no call for paranoia either.

[JdePietro]

At the end of the day its just bigotry. If you want to teach your children to be hateful than so be it, I couldn't care less. I earned my eagle award in four years when most of my leaders said I didn't have a chance. (Joined at 14) The one tarnish to that achievement has been my association with an organization that teaches its members one thing and that practices another. Morality is not taught from a book, it is not inherent, it is based off of a persons understanding of the world around them. Teaching children how to resolve conflict, respect each other and to accept one another for who they are are core principles in the BSA. Excluding somebody based on sexual orientation is contradictory to their teachings and goals, it sends the message that they are an exclusionary club for the social elite. I think America could use many more boy scouts, I think the boy scouts need to give everyone a fair chance.

Personal responsibility shouldn't stop with your belief on firearms.   

[MikeBjerum]

JdePietro,

This is an issue of personal beliefs, and the beliefs of a private organization that people join of their own free will.  If they are grounded in a set of beliefs concerning lifestyle choices that is up to them.  Sometimes we get called bigots for our beliefs, but nobody ever promised standing for something would be easy.  If someone does not agree with the Boy Scouts of America, they are free to not join.

[Sponsor]

[fightingquaker13]

At the end of the day its just bigotry. If you want to teach your children to be hateful than so be it, I couldn't care less. I earned my eagle award in four years when most of my leaders said I didn't have a chance. (Joined at 14) The one tarnish to that achievement has been my association with an organization that teaches its members one thing and that practices another. Morality is not taught from a book, it is not inherent, it is based off of a persons understanding of the world around them. Teaching children how to resolve conflict, respect each other and to accept one another for who they are are core principles in the BSA. Excluding somebody based on sexual orientation is contradictory to their teachings and goals, it sends the message that they are an exclusionary club for the social elite. I think America could use many more boy scouts, I think the boy scouts need to give everyone a fair chance.

Personal responsibility shouldn't stop with your belief on firearms.    

As a moral position I agree completely. However, as a libertarian, I do think private grouups have a right to set their own rules. Its like the endless debate between Tom and TAB over whether a business owner can post a no guns sign. On the one hand, carrying is a right. OTOH, his house, his rules, and if you don't like it go elsewhere.

[MikeBjerum]

FQ, as a moral issue it is bigotry, but bigotry is not a bad thing when you are separating the sheep from the goats.

[Solus]

FQ, as a moral issue it is bigotry, but bigotry is not a bad thing when you are separating the sheep from the goats.

I guess it depends upon your definition of bigotry.  Here is one definition.

Bigotry is the state of mind of a bigot: someone who, as a result of their prejudices, treats other people with hatred, contempt, and intolerance on the basis of a person's race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, language, socioeconomic status, or other status.

I see no situation where that is good.

I am not saying the Boy Scouts setting their standards and sticking to them is bad, just that you can't defend it by saying bigotry is good.

[JC5123]

I guess it depends upon your definition of bigotry.  Here is one definition.

Bigotry is the state of mind of a bigot: someone who, as a result of their prejudices, treats other people with hatred, contempt, and intolerance on the basis of a person's race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, language, socioeconomic status, or other status.

I see no situation where that is good.

I am not saying the Boy Scouts setting their standards and sticking to them is bad, just that you can't defend it by saying bigotry is good.

There are 2 examples where at the very least, watchful suspicion is justified.

[Solus]

There are 2 examples where at the very least, watchful suspicion is justified.

National Origin and Religion.

Point is, the definition says it is based on prejudices not action and goals of a group that are counter to the constitution and rights of others.

Having a dislike for Muslims and Islam because of their teachings and actions is not bigotry.  

Having a dislike of Arabs because their skin is too dark and they wear funny clothes is.