Boy Scouts are taught to always "be prepared." But are their parents prepared to pull them out of the organization in protest against anti-gay policies?
Perhaps so. After the Mount Diablo Silverado Council once again denied local boy scout Ryan Andresen his Eagle Scout badge, some parents are considering boycotting the scouts.
The council claims that Andresen, because he is gay, rejects God and therefore cannot fulfill the Boy Scout "duty to God" promise.
Reactions from Patch users have included outrage, shock, and even a new promise: to remove their sons from the organization.
A commenter on the Lamorinda Patch Facebook page calls the situation "crazy" and says he is "seriously considering" pulling his son out of the Boy Scouts.
Are you considering taking your son out of Boy Scouts? Do you agree with such a boycott? Share your views in the comments section below.
Here's what parents and locals are saying about the decision from the Boy Scout Council:
On the Lamorinda Patch Facebook page: "Something is seriously wrong with our society. I think all scouts should band together and do something to send a message."
Another says, "If he completed the projects and necessary badges, he should be awarded. Baden Powell would agree."
"Shameful," says a commenter on the Concord Patch Facebook page. "My boys will never be associated with this terrible organization."
Another says, "How dare they say Ryan rejects God. They are acting very unGod like."
One commenter states that while he agrees Andresen should recieve his badge, the Boy Scouts have a right to adhere to such policies: "This is the land of the free right? The scouts are a private group right? I'm not for their decision but it is hypocritical to fight against oppression then turn around and oppress a private group for [their] American right [...] If you don't agree with the choice it makes don't participate with the group!"
A commenter on the Pleasant Hill Patch Facebook page says, "Personally, I think it's incredibly disappointing. I would like to pride myself in saying that the town I live in is full of forward thinkers, trying to better the community in anyway it can."
Another says, "Are they living in the 16th Century? Sounds like they are branding the Scout as a 'Heretic'."
"Pathetic," says a commenter on the Martinez Patch Facebook page. "I have always thought I would one day have my son in Boy Scouts and loved the idea of being a 'den mother'. Never going to happen now. I will never have my son associated with a group that discriminates against youths."
Another parent adds: "My daughter was a girl scout for many years and I loved the organization — very inclusive and non-discriminatory. But my son will never ever ever be a part of the Boy Scouts."
On the Walnut Creek Patch Facebook page, a father says: "Yet one more reason my kids will never be let anywhere close to that paramilitary bigot hateful organization."
Have your views of the Boy Scouts changed? Comment below.
