Since it’s creation in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has been the premier organization for the teaching of outdoors skills, correct morals and religious values. One policy of the BSA, however, may be about to change. The push for the allowing of homosexuals into this organization has resumed, sparking controversy that the national board will address in May.
As a scout, I can understand the homosexual community’s desire for inclusion, but this policy should not be amended.
With the already diminishing strength of this once-proud program, the compromising of their beliefs will only further its destruction. The entire Scouting organization is built upon the principles taught in various religions; thus, the policy requiring scouts to believe in some sort of higher power. If they make exceptions that violate the moral code for which they stand, the program will dive into even deeper turmoil. They cannot afford to budge on this issue.
New anti-bullying policies have been the recent focus of the BSA. The prevention of physical, emotional and cyber hostilities has been integrated into nearly every training program required by the national leaders. But allowing homosexual boys could make them targets for this type of abuse. The safety of children is a priority for the Boy Scouts of America. Enacting a policy that could possibly lead to harming any child should not be considered.
If the homosexual community wants to be included in a program such as the Boy Scouts, one should be created. I am not opposed to homosexuals having access to the same experiences as their heterosexual counterparts; everyone should have the skills and the morals that these organizations teach. However, I do not believe that the two parties should meld into one organization. Instead, an equal organization should be created to cater to the needs of gay children. Nothing prohibits the creation of such a program.
Scouting has already had to give up a lot of ground. The organization has integrated females into Scouting through the Venture Scout program, though this transition has been relatively uneventful. The enforcement of the religious requirement has become slacked. If anything, the Boy Scouts of America needs to stiffen up and get back to the roots of the program: good morals, outdoor skills and reverence.
Regardless of the decision the national leaders make, I implore my fellow scouts to stick with the organization through its time of change. I ask that communities continue to look with favor upon the Boy Scouts and support the work that they do. If we stick to the principles of the Scout Oath and Law, the BSA will stay strong.
