Earlier today supporters of and against gay rights for inclusion in the Boy Scouts of America converged on the Irving headquarters of the organization. The Executive Board of the Boy Scouts was expected to make its decision today, February 6. There have been years of petitions and protests for and against the Scouts’ policy, however, the Board has decided to postpone their decision.
Hundreds of protesters lead by church pastors urged the Scouts Board of Directors to “stay the course” regarding the organization’s current policy of not allowing gay scouts or leaders. Earlier in the week proponents of change met at the same location asking the Boy Scouts’ board to end what they saw as “a history of discrimination against gays.” From the lesbian mom who was a former scout den mother, to Texas governor Rick Perry, proponents for and against have spoken out via video.
A traditional association organized for the development and socialization of boys and teens may have, unofficially, been a source of discrimination of and stress for many of their members since its earliest inception. Organizations like the Boy Scouts of America help youths find themselves, identify and develop their strengths, and work through their weaknesses and troubled factors in their lives. Don’t all our children and youths deserve the same opportunities, equally, no matter their personal preferences in lifestyles?
Many attending today’s prayer vigil and rally in Irving, feel that the Boards’ decision not to hold a vote today would only prolong the controversial debate that has long been discriminatory and decisive. Northeast Texas scouts will have to wait until May to find out the Board’s decision.
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