Temple Isaiah Opposes Boy Scouts' Gay Policy

Temple Isaiah of Lafayette has taken a stand.

The temple's Board of Directors voted unanimously Tuesday night to express its opposition to the Boy Scouts of America's decision to disqualify participants because of sexual orientation. The board called for a letter-writing campaign by temple members.

A Temple Isaiah press release cited rejection of "a superb candidate for Eagle Scout in our neighborhood" (Ryan Andresen of Moraga).

"Though we cannot change the Scouts’ national policy, we can work hard within and outside Temple Isaiah’s walls to create an awareness of the damaging consequences of such policies on all our youth and on our communities,” said Rabbi Roberto Graetz of Temple Isaiah. “Ten years ago, the Reform [Jewish] movement, through its governing bodies and constituencies, issued a strong recommendation favoring full inclusion of gay Scouts and troop leaders, in contradiction of the BSA policy forbidding their participation."