Boy Scouts Postpone Decision on Gay Members

[cbayer]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324590904578287862636139462.html

Updated February 6, 2013, 11:09 a.m. ET
By ANA CAMPOY

DALLAS—The Boy Scouts of America's national executive board said Wednesday that it is delaying a vote on changes to the group's ban on gay scouts and leaders, amid pressure from religious groups that say more discussion is needed.

The board delayed until the Scouts' May annual meeting the decision on a proposal to let local groups that charter Scout troops create their own rules on gay membership. The proposal was on the agenda at the board's meeting that started this week in Irving, Texas, the Dallas suburb where the Scouts are based.

"After careful consideration and extensive dialogue within the Scouting family, along with comments from those outside the organization, the volunteer officers of the Boy Scouts of America's National Executive Board concluded that due to the complexity of this issue, the organization needs time for a more deliberate review of its membership policy," the Scouts said in a statement.

A task force of representatives from religious groups, which charter 70% of scouting units, asked the board on Monday to delay the vote, according to people who were at a meeting between the religious group and Scouts leadership. Some of the religious leaders were opposed to the change, while others supported it.

more at link

[Still Sensible]

1. Allow me to interpret...

the executive board needs more time to calculate which direction will cost our national organization the least money.

Unfortunately, these kind of decisions (those based on financial considerations) tend to be made based on short-term calculations.

[cbayer]

3. Agree. They are trying to weigh which choice will cost them the most members.

OTOH, by being deliberate, they are less likely to do something foolish (I hope).

I think the Solomonic decision here is to allow some troops to continue their bigoted policies after the larger organizations has taken an inclusive position. That won't allow those troops to hide under the bigger umbrella and will show them clearly for what they are.

[redstatebluegirl]

2. Do they really think there have never been gay scouts?

In the small town where I was raised (less than 1800 people) I knew of 2 eagle scouts and one decorated scout master. Everyone in town knew, they didn't talk about it of course (this was in the 70's) but they knew. I honestly do not understand the problem here....

[cbayer]

4. It's confusing. I've been hearing stories all week from organizations that sponsor

groups that are welcoming and affirming. I'm not sure how they do that in light of the current policy.

[dimbear]

5. A situation rich in irony. Scouting was begun in order to provide a feeder stream for the military.

No need to go into personalities about Baden Powell.

Now the military has integrated itself, and scouting refuses?