From: jess@engx25.trt.com (Jess Alvarado)
Subject: Re: Levi Strauss DEFUNDS Boy Scouts
Organization: TRT COMMUNICATIONS
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1992 17:13:26 GMT

>From strnlght@netcom.com Wed Dec 30 16:08:42 1992
>Path: engx25!uunet!noc.near.net!hri.com!spool.mu.edu!umn.edu!csus.edu!netcom.com!strnlght
>From: strnlght@netcom.com (David Sternlight)
>Newsgroups: misc.consumers,soc.men,misc.misc
>Subject: Re: Levi Strauss DEFUNDS Boy Scouts
>Message-ID: <1992Dec30.210842.18704@netcom.com>
>Date: 30 Dec 92 21:08:42 GMT
>References: <1992Dec30.165849.16524@samba.oit.unc.edu>
>Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services (408 241-9760 guest)
>Lines: 64


>Michael Bohl raises Levi Strauss' defunding of the Boy Scouts because
>"they discriminate against athiests and homosexuals".

...

>The issue of homosexuals is somewhat more difficult and turns on two
>different points. The first is whether the Boy Scouts has a principle,
>analogous to their other principles such as belief in God or honesty,
>about heterosexuality. Note that one can get kicked out of the Boy
>Scouts for dishonesty, not because it's illegal but because it
>violates the principles: "Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly,
>Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and
>Reverent" (from memory after about 45 years). Analogously, one may get
>banned for homosexuality if there's a principle about that (though it
>may not be included in the Boy Scout Oath, except by implication).
>
>What do I mean by "by implication". (Fasten seat belts: even more
>controversial material ahead. Note that I'm reporting, not
>advocating.) Well, "reverent" and a belief in God is part of the
>Boy Scout ethos. If the Boy Scouts interpret that to include what
>God said in the Bible (dunno if they do or not), then the God of
>the Bible unequivacally forbids male homosexuality as "an
>abomination". (Reminder-just reporting, here. Whew!). Thus
>it may be that the Boy Scout prohibition is justified by them
>in this way.
>
>Others may have radically different views on this subject; that's their
>right. Please state YOUR views, rather than attacking mine, for those
>tempted to flame this post.
...

>David
>-- 
>David Sternlight
>RIPEM Public Key on server  --  Consider it an envelope for your e-mail

As a scout leader, I recieve a monthly magazine called SCOUTING.  In a 
recent issue ( about 3-4 months ago ) the issue of HOMOSEXUALITY and
the BSA was addressed, in which the reader was informed of several companies
and banks that have siezed funding of the BSA because of alleged 
discrimination against homosexuals.  The article went on to explain the
BSAs position and to make it clear that the BSA DOES NOT SUPPORT BOYCOTTING
any institution which chooses not to fund it.  The BSA recognizes the
right of each institution to freely choose who they fund and don't fund.
What exception the BSA does take is with thoughs institutions that use
the threat of removing funding as a means to try and dictate BSA policy.
The article made it clear that the BSA was founded on certain principles 
and it was not going to change these principles on the threat of defunding.

On the issue of homosexuality.  It has been awhile since I read the article
but if memory serves me correctly, I believe this is the BSA's position.

Adult homosexual men or women are not allowed to be leaders in any level
of the BSA, this includes the Cub Scouts.  There is no restriction preventing
a boy (at any age), who professes to be homosexual or has homosexual guardians,
from joining Boy or Cub Scouts.  The restriction against adults is for the
boys safety.  This is not intended to label or stereotype homosexual behavior
but rather to keep the conduct to all leaders above reproach.  For that 
matter, when any adult applies for membership as a leader, a series of 
questions must be filled out regarding intent and behavior; all potention 
leaders are subject to approval by each Pack's or Troop's committee members.

I would ask that other BSA representatives more knowledgable then myself
on this issue, to please follow up and enlighten the general public on
the position of the BSA.





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