BSA announced proposed changes to its policies today.

[FSogol]

These resolutions will be voted on by delegates from every council at an annual meeting next month.

The full resolution can be found here:
http://scoutingmagazine.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/proposed-membership-standards-resolution.pdf

Here are some excerpts:

WHEREAS,
the Boy Scouts of America does not have an agenda on the matter of sexual orientation, and
resolving this complex issue is not the role of the organization, nor may any member use Scouting to promote
or advance any social or political position or agenda

WHEREAS,
youth are still developing, learning about themselves and who they are, developing their sense of
right and wrong, and understanding their duty to God to live a moral life; and

WHEREAS,
America needs Scouting, and the organization’s policies must be based on what is in the best
interest of its young people, and the organization will work to stay focused on that which unites us, and

WHEREAS,
the Boy Scouts of America will maintain the current membership policy for all adult leaders of the
Boy Scouts of America, and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The following membership standard for youth members of the Boy Scouts of America is hereby adopted and
approved, effective Jan. 1, 2014:
Youth membership in the Boy Scouts of America is open to all youth who meet the specific membership
requirements to join the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, and Venturing programs.
Membership in any program of the Boy Scouts of America requires the youth member to (a) subscribe
to and abide by the values expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law, (b) subscribe to and abide by
the precepts of the Declaration of Religious Principle (duty to God), and (c) demonstrate behavior that
exemplifies the highest level of good conduct and respect for others and is consistent at all times with
the values expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. No youth may be denied membership in the Boy
Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone.

[Deep13]

1. So, no atheists. nt

[FreeState]

2. Or gay leaders

no role models for gays and atheist in the BSA is what they are attempting.

[FSogol]

4. Yeah, They are probably trying to appease the vocal LDS Councils.

The resolution will probably pass.

[msongs]

3. baloney - scouting is all about promoting or advancing social/political positions and agendas AND

notice the wiggle word ALONE as the last word in this propaganda piece.

Plus this supposed liberation of equality does NOT apply to any adults.

well spoken by a group that is in fact a religious organization above all else

[angrychair]

5. The proposal is counter-intuitive

It states in one statement that "the Boy Scouts of America does not have an agenda on the matter of sexual orientation..." But states right above that "The applicant must possess the moral, educational, and emotional qualities that the Boy Scouts of America deems necessary to afford positive leadership to youth...While the BSA does not proactively inquire about sexual orientation of employees, volunteers, or members, we do not grant membership to individuals who are open or avowed homosexuals or who engage in behavior that would become a distraction to the mission of the BSA."
The implication is clear. I am very disheartened. I have two sons in Scouting, one an Eagle Scout, and I have been involved with Scouting for many years. I wrote I very thoughtful and intelligent commentary regarding the need of Scouting to be as inclusive an organization as possible, that a person's sexual identification does not define their moral integrity. The implication of this proposal is wrong-headed and disturbing.
For what it is worth, I will make my feelings known and continue to work to make this right.

As an aside, I take exception to the statement of this being a "religious organization" made earlier. I've never seen it that way. I have always seen it as a opportunity for my boys to interact with other boys and learn about the world around them while enjoying camping and hiking and how to treat the natural world with respect and care. While religion is a facet of it (one I've never really liked) it has never been the focus....at least not with the groups we have been a part of. I could never let my boys be part of it I'd it were. It has always been about learning new things and having fun.
This new proposal has given me something to think about. This proposal is not reflective of the very oath and law it holds so dear.

[FSogol]

6. Completely agree. A step in the right direction, but not all the steps that are needed. n/t