I think it is discrimination. I understand each organization has its own objectives and concerns, rules (many of which were made a LONG time ago and need updating by the way); however, this stance is preventing the organization from having great leaders (which they always, always need more of) and preventing some boys from participating in great events and activities with their friends and peers.

To me, it is a definite contradiction of what Scouts stands for...leadership, instilling values and ethics in the boys, and treating one another like equals.

The organization, like any that deal with kids, has background checks in place. There is no higher risk I don't think with having a gay leader vs not having a gay leader. If people are afraid of that being an indication of risk for inappropriate behavior with the kids, I think people need to look at the recent cases in the news.

I find it very disappointing that in this day and age that this is even an issue to begin with. We try to teach tolerance to our kids and yet, this is not adhering to what we are trying to teach.

It is the Boy Scouts' of America's right not to grant membership to individuals who they don't feel reflect the beliefs of their organization.

It is the Eagle Scout's right to return or not accept their award.

And, it is my right to continue to teach my children love and acceptance of all people, even if they don't share our beliefs.

Yes . One's sexuality should not exclude him from anything. The Boy Scouts should not involve sex acts at all. There have been many instances when adult Boy Scout leaders have sexually assaulted cub scouts and boy scouts. Abuse anywhere at anytime is a CRIME. That's what you should exclude.

How many white people are members of the NAACP?

But we wouldn't get upset at them if word comes out they turn down white applicants, would we?

As an Eagle Scout myself it was tough to hear that the leaders of Boy Scouts of America have decided to continue their ban of gay scouts and leaders. It was just as tough for me to hear that fellow Eagle Scouts were returning their badges in protest.
The same way that not every Democrat stands by what Barack Obama says, not every member of the BSA stands by what the organizations leaders say.
I think that by staying involved, the boys and men who are against the policy can have a larger impact on policy reform than by distancing themselves.
Earning the rank of Eagle Scout was one of the defining moments in my life, and I wouldn't give that up for anything.

How many organizations in the world share all of your views? Is there even one company, church or charitable organization in the world that has exactly the same values and opinions of any one person? Why do people feel like organizations must adhere to all of their beliefs, as if those beliefs are uniform or static?

The Boy Scouts of America do more good than harm to our society. That’s good enough for me.

the military has gotten past this issue and is now actively recruiting gays. so the boy scouts really don't have much to stand on when rejecting gay boy scouts, other than their own short-sighted and archaic predjudices. they need to step out of the 19th century.

Would a gay organization admit a conservative Christian in their group?
Jim@ccfiile.com

Jim, your analogies continue to baffle. Would a Unicorn fly if he gets his wings wet? First show me a Conservative Christian seeking admittance to a "gay organization" and then we can discuss whether or not he or she would be welcome...

As to the question posed, they are a private entity and can admit whomever they want. Is it right? I don't think so. Is it THEIR right? Yup.

Interesting blog Kira- I think any organization should be free to accept members or not accept them including the Boy Scouts. I think its a sign of the strength of the country that we can have this discussion. btw I've never met a unicorn : wet or dry.

They can admit whoever they want, leave them alone.
This is not a gay issue.
Jim@ccfiile.com

It is a little bit a gay issue. The article makes that clear. Leave everybody alone--including the people who express, by sending back their badges and medals, their disillusionment with worldly hierarchies and divisions.

It's sad that the organization these men dedicated so many years to has failed to live up to their own ideals. That being the case do the medals mean anything anyway? Personal accomplishment lives in one's heart--displaying or holding an emblem from an organization that has betrayed its own ideals doesn't mean much. The statement that returning the emblem makes means a lot.

Reality is, issues are never as black and white as people want to see them. Organizationally speaking, Boy scout units are structured and sponsored by a chartering organization, in most cases, churches. These charter orgs hold the units assets and have a say in how and who is in charge of the troop/pack. It will be a long road until this philosophy is changed nationally, but it will come hopefully sooner than later. Until then, I would hope that most could focus and recognize the community service, leadership training and environmental awareness that this organization provides to young men. Do I wish it was different? Of course, but it saddens me to see people casting stones at this organization. As far as those that have chosen to return their awards, it is certainly their right to do so but it is the same organization that handed them the awards in the first place.

I am appalled at most every "political correct" dribble that spews out of most every liberal brain through their mouth... Has the public, and University "school system" indoctrinated all of you that much that you can't even make a rational, thoughtful decision, based on your upbringing and moral ethics. Your parents did not teach you this crap, and if they did, they were caught up in the "Free Love" movement.. How bout all of you take some time to honor a fallen soldier, who made it possible for you to exist in these United States.

The "Expensive Hate" movement has some explaining to do, too!

Here we go again the hate movement is alive and well in some peoples mind.
Jim@ccfiile.com

First, the Supreme Court ruled private organizations can include or exclude anyone they want. Second, why is it wrong for the scouts not to accept you being homosexual but its okay for you not to respect their right to feel that way. Tolerance and respect goes both ways. The scouts arent out their calling gay people horrible things, they are just saying that the lifestyle doesnt fit into their Christian values. Some of the most successfull leaders in America were Scouts.

well said Ray Fellows.......

It is their right and their decision to exclude, but frankly it seems more redneck & ignorant than Christian. Do they really think the world is a better place because lesbian moms can't be leaders?

My husband and I teach our children to show respect for others, but we will no longer support BSA financially or otherwise. Do they care about our opinion? Not in the slightest.

Just to be PERFECTLY clear, and to avoid some of the usual willful misinterpretation, my comment above ("The "Expensive Hate" movement has some explaining to do, too!") was a direct response to Kevin Hawthorne's impassioned post immediately preceding ("Your parents did not teach you this crap, and if they did, they were caught up in the "Free Love" movement."). My comment was light and, like Kevin's, general--that is, not directed at individuals nor even groups. I do not think that the Boy Scouts are "haters" any more than I think they are "lovers" or, based on their official attitude here, "Christians". I think that some people in the organization are clearly exclusionary in a way that is a shame. How acceptable would it be to you, Ed and Ray, if this admirable organization were to exclude Jews, because after all, most Jews would not embrace your "Christian" values or "lifestyle"?

I am rooting for the Scouts, because of their self-proclaimed and oft-proved ideals of honor and justice. I support those Scouts who returned their medals and badges in sympathy with their rejected colleagues and other victims of discrimination; in returning their medals, they, too, prove their love and understanding of the Scouts' ideals.

And, again, more generally, love isn't always free, but hate is invariably costly, don't you agree?

David....You're forgiven.
Jim@ccfiile.com

David -thanks for the mention-I think?. Last time I checked the values in question were called Judeo-Christian values -values that have a lot in common with values of religions throughout the world. I was a Boy Scout and really enjoyed the experience.
I'm not sure of the motivation of the persistent attacks on the Boy Scouts (not by you btw) .
Unfortunately 'hate' comes in all sizes , genders , and races.

The Scouts "are just saying that the lifestyle doesnt fit into their Christian values. " Is that their actual statement, Ray, or it is your interpretation of their position? If it is their actual statement, please post the entire statement.
It is very sad that some young men who worked for years to achieve the pinnacle of their organization feel compelled to return the physical symbols of that achievement.
My concern really is what does the BSA policy say to an young man who is currently a scout and comes to the conclusion / realization that he is gay. Does he have to fear being 'caught' or outed? Does he quit scouting based on that fear and lose out on the tremendous benefits that scouting has to offer?

Linda- the Boy Scouts have a similar position on atheists - I would look at their statements available at their web site. They recognize the diversity of opinion on this and after a two years review reaffirmed their position.
Interestingly both Romney and Obama do not seem to agree with the ban on openly gay members and leaders.

I am an adult leader in a local troop and an Eagle Scout. I do not approve of or condone the Scouting organization's position on this issue.

The problem with BSA is that the national leadership conflates homosexuality with pedophilia, despite the fact that there is no relationship between the two.

You look at the BSA youth protection training program and it is all about recognizing and staying away from pedophiles. Granted, the BSA had horrible scandals with sexual abuse of scouts by adults in the 70's and 80's, which prompted this program.

Although I do not agree with National's decision, I have to balance it with all the good things that Scouts offers boys (and if they are teens - girls in Venture and Explorers). For that reason, I will continue in the program.

As always, Andy, well said and truly balanced.