[Arcadien]

They are a private club but I understand they are largely (mostly?) funded by donations. They are smart to update their position on an issue that most people think is a no brainer any more. Sure there are some that will pull funds if they allow gays, but likely most will not and they will gain back the people who left them when they openly discrimated. They aren't stupid - stick their feet in the mud & slowly become the tiny "fundamentalist christian church boy scouts". Or move with the times & stay as big & important & influential as they are now.

[JanM]

Some people (in real life, not on here) seem to think that if a scout leader is gay or lesbian that they will stand up every week and explain exactly what they do behind bedroom doors, and all while wearing a boa. I doubt that this will ever happen, and to me the most repellent thing about scouting is the lack of compassion for differences. I don't know how a non-christian kid, or an atheist, or one who is or might be gay could get along in scouting with the current climate. For most kids it might be a valuable activity, with lots of fun and learning about nature and the world, but for some it would be a horrible place to have to go. Children need a place that is accepting, and safe, but I'm not sure that BSA is it after the sexual predator files were released. If I had children I wouldn't have them in scouting, but since I don't have kids that's all theoretical anyway.

[jetsmom]

I love these threads -- they always make it very clear who to put on my ignore list.

What are they so afraid of? Sexual orientation spreads like cooties? Ummm, sorry, homosexuality is present in multiple wildlife species as well as humans, it's not a disease or a fad. These guys think that they are SO irresistible that every gay man/boy will hit on them or molest them? *snork*

Ah, how society has "gone downhill" since they let us women get to thinkin' and gettin' edumacated and other atrocities. Pretty soon, someone will ask for something ridiculous like "everyone is created equally" or some crap like that. (do I need to point out the sarcasm?)

I'm not afraid of "gays indoctrinating people" I'm afraid of the govt legislating what PRIVATE clubs can and cannot do.
And FWIW, I think public schools absolutely should hire gays. I also think that large organizations like the NFL, should be supportive of having openly gay players, and wish that gay businesspeople/political leaders, etc would feel comfortable being openly gay to give gay kids good role models and help them learn that your sexuality doesn't define what you do in life. It does a disservice to have "Gay Pride parades" where looking like freaks is what the news shows, and yet successful gays are not often profiled.
It's a hard line to walk though, to show successful gays, without feeling like you are throwing sexuality in people's faces, when sexuality is usually a private or nonissue. I mean, it's not like a successful businessman will introduce themselves as "Hi, I'm Bob, president of XYZ corp, and by the way, I like having sex with men." But kids need to know that there are successful people that are gay, and be able to identify with them as role models. The only way they can do that is if successful are open about it.

[candyappy]

@ caddyappy, how do you feel about black people being able to drink from the same water fountain as you? or use the same public restroom?

I have no problem drinking water from the same fountain or sharing a restroom with a person of any race or with a person who practices a gay lifestyle. We are all people created by God . My problem is the push that everyone must accept their sexual lifestyle choice . They are not a race of people, or a person with a disability. The only difference is that they choose to have sex with the same gender and they want everyone to say what they do is right and acceptable because deep down inside they know it is wrong. God set his law on every heart, it doesn't matter if you acknowledge God or not.

You want to blame my views on faith? So be it. Homosexuality has been practiced since the beginning as well as every other thing man does that is wrong. God made His laws clear in the beginning. We are to love the person but that doesn't mean we accept the way they live when it is in direct opposition to the Word of God.

Long ago I had the chance to view a documentary called " It's Not Gay" that was made by some men that had been able to get out of that life after many years in-slaved in it. Through the dedication of many bible believing Christians who worked and ministered to help people stuck in that life. The title says it all and it was quite eye opening..

[LauraKY]

The only difference is that they choose to have sex with the same gender and they want everyone to say what they do is right and acceptable because deep down inside they know it is wrong. God set his law on every heart, it doesn't matter if you acknowledge God or not.

Translation: I don't care what faith or religion you practice or if you believe in any faith or religion. My faith is the only true religion and I want everyone in the world to abide by my rules, regardless of what belief system they may have.

[candyappy]

I think this is what people are really worried about when they talk about the infamous "gay agenda" .. the horrible possibility that maybe kids will be "indoctrinated" with the idea that there's nothing wrong with being gay.

Kids are so confused about what is going on inside of themselves. Even today where sex is in everything and everywhere you look. The fact that a person in authority over them or that they may look up to can very well lead them down a path they have no desire to go. They can be so eager to please the adults in their lives. The problem is in the thinking that people are " born" a certain way sexually and that is just not true.

[Arcadien]

I have no problem drinking water from the same fountain or sharing a restroom with a person of any race or with a person who practices a gay lifestyle. We are all people created by God . My problem is the push that everyone must accept their sexual lifestyle choice . They are not a race of people, or a person with a disability. The only difference is that they choose to have sex with the same gender and they want everyone to say what they do is right and acceptable because deep down inside they know it is wrong. God set his law on every heart, it doesn't matter if you acknowledge God or not.

You want to blame my views on faith? So be it. Homosexuality has been practiced since the beginning as well as every other thing man does that is wrong. God made His laws clear in the beginning. We are to love the person but that doesn't mean we accept the way they live when it is in direct opposition to the Word of God.

Long ago I had the chance to view a documentary called " It's Not Gay" that was made by some men that had been able to get out of that life after many years in-slaved in it. Through the dedication of many bible believing Christians who worked and ministered to help people stuck in that life. The title says it all and it was quite eye opening..

SIGH.
Well, bless your heart.

[candyappy]

Translation: I don't care what faith or religion you practice or if you believe in any faith or religion. My faith is the only true religion and I want everyone in the world to abide by my rules, regardless of what belief system they may have.

There is a difference between "religion" and being a believer and follower of Jesus Christ as the only way to Salvation. Many have written their own " bibles" to reflect their views and many religions have gay ministers.

There is nothing I can do to stop the course our country is on. It has been done over and over again in the history of the world. I can't stop the push of gay rights, abortion , killing of others. The one thing I can do is not knuckle under to the pressure of others and stand strong on what I know to be right. I know it is right because God gave it to us through the Bible.

[caballero]

SIGH.
Well, bless your heart.

I'd say that about anyone who can't get that the Boy Scouts are a private organization and no one has the right to FORCE them to accept anyone they don't like.

[cnvh]

Translation: I don't care what faith or religion you practice or if you believe in any faith or religion. My faith is the only true religion and I want everyone in the world to abide by my rules, regardless of what belief system they may have.

This this this this this, a thousand times this. This is what it all inevitably boils down to.

[caffeinated]

The problem is in the thinking that people are " born" a certain way sexually and that is just not true.

Yes, I'm sure all those gay people in the world chose to be mocked and belittled by society at large for so many years, chose to be ignored and abandoned by their families, chose to put themselves through discrimination and bullying (and murder and all manner of other things). Yep. It's a choice!

I'm sure all those gay people, who grew up in places where "no one" was gay, the ones whose parents were super conservative christians who sent them to pray-the-gay-away-camp, were just indoctrinated by some evil influence in their lives and made a choice to be emotionally abused by their families and loved ones because their inner being was different from how it's "supposed" to be.

[SimpsoMatt]

There is a difference between "religion" and being a believer and follower of Jesus Christ as the only way to Salvation.

What's the difference?

[jetsmom]

What's the difference?

About 10% of your income per week...

[Alagirl]

About 10% of your income per week...

[Jack16]

I'd say that about anyone who can't get that the Boy Scouts are a private organization and no one has the right to FORCE them to accept anyone they don't like.

I don't think anyone here is actually saying the BSA should be forced to allow gays/lesbians in. I think we can all respect that private organizations can do what they want. I just think most of us are saying we don't agree with their policy on this.

[wildlifer]

About 10% of your income per week...

Ok, you just made me spit a jellybean on my keyboard.

[hosspuller]

So ... guys can be girl scout leaders too?

[LauraKY]

There is a difference between "religion" and being a believer and follower of Jesus Christ as the only way to Salvation. Many have written their own " bibles" to reflect their views and many religions have gay ministers.

There is nothing I can do to stop the course our country is on. It has been done over and over again in the history of the world. I can't stop the push of gay rights, abortion , killing of others. The one thing I can do is not knuckle under to the pressure of others and stand strong on what I know to be right. I know it is right because God gave it to us through the Bible.

I don't believe in a god, therefore, I can not have god in my heart. I believe you are wrong and there is no god. What gives you the right to tell others how to live based on a book written by men?

[lizathenag]

John 13:34-35
New International Version (NIV)
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

My savior tells me that I can love my wife and it is ok.

There are plenty of gay scout leaders now, they just have to be in the closet.
sigh.

[GypsyQ]

I'd say that about anyone who can't get that the Boy Scouts are a private organization and no one has the right to FORCE them to accept anyone they don't like.

I don't think anyone here is actually saying the BSA should be forced to allow gays/lesbians in. I think we can all respect that private organizations can do what they want. I just think most of us are saying we don't agree with their policy on this.

Have I missed something? I don't think the government is forcing anyone to do anything here. I thought it was the national leadership of the BSA considering changes within their own organization.