The decision of the Boy Scouts of America to delay voting on its policy to exclude gay leaders and members is yet another form of discrimination and homophobia and does not reflect the richness of our diverse society.
Some examples are: an Eagle Scout whose parent is gay returned his badge because of the ban. A den mother was forced to resign because she is gay. These actions send negative messages to all individuals. The message is that an individual's orientation is wrong and that you have to be straight to be a member of the BSA.
The BSA is funded primarily (70 percent) by religious organizations and this lack of tolerance and judgment also sends a negative message. It is not the BSA's job to preach about anything other than scouting — certainly not about same-sex marriage or religious freedom.
Bullying is prohibited in the BSA. Isn't this a type of bullying?
The fight against bullying needs to continue. There are still too many tragic instances where young people are targeted by this learned behavior. Too often those who are bullied attempt or complete suicides or take other routes to injure themselves or someone else physically or psychologically because of societal messages.
All of us have a part to play in helping address this serious and potentially life-threatening issue. Social justice and cultural empathy challenges all of us to step outside of our own comfort zone when we are confronted by someone who is different. The Boy Scouts of America can lead by recognizing that gay members and leaders are an essential piece in combating this devastating landscape.
In a study conducted by the BSA in 2005, it is interesting to read how former Scouts view what they learned: positive character traits; teamwork; honesty; concern for the environment; respect for life and others' property; patriotism; respect for the elderly; and self-confidence. Being gay does not preclude any of these character-building traits.
Brad Henkins with Scouts for Equality stated "… the Boy Scouts of America should not be playing catch-up on this pressing issue; as we do in all other things, Scouts should be blazing the trail."
As several states and the military are extending more rights to gays, so should the BSA.
Yes, the BSA is a private organization. However, what it teaches these boys and young men is universal. The development of positive character traits plays a role in how these individuals will interact with all people in all walks of life.
Teaching discrimination as right is not a trait that we want young people to learn, is it? The BSA needs to lead the charge of advocacy for all boys and men who want to learn about the Boy Scouts of America — not turning them away because of fear and ignorance. Fear can destroy and stymie the spirit, whether it's fear of failure, fear of differences, fear of change or fear of going outside "the box."
Whether you are gay, straight, bisexual, transgendered or unsure: Does it really matter who stands next to you while learning how to be a good team player? Do you honestly believe that the 12-year old whose parent is the gay leader is going to have a bad influence on your child?
That message is archaic and tired, and it hurts. It hurts not only the child that you've asked to leave the Scouts because his parent is gay, but you've hurt his friend who doesn't really care that his friend's mom or dad is gay. And you've hurt the adult and all those other kids who relied on him or her as their den leader.
The circle of life is big and an individual's sexual orientation should not play any role in determining who can be a member of the Boy Scouts of America — respect for all individuals is the charge.
Brigid Noonan is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Counselor Education at Stetson University.
Read the columns
Intro: Should Scouts open door to gays?
Mathew Staver: Boy Scouts should not backtrack on its values