Two Senators, “Proud Eagle Scouts,” Urge Boy Scouts To Allow Gay Members

[DonViejo]

“We don't believe anyone should be denied the opportunity to participate in the amazing and important experience that is Scouting,” Sens. Jeff Merkley and Sherrod Brown write.

posted on February 4, 2013 at 9:25pm EST

Chris Geidner
BuzzFeed Staff

WASHINGTON — As the Boy Scouts of America consider ending the organizational ban on gay scouts and leaders, two senators — both Eagle Scouts — sent a letter to the group's head asking the organization "to adopt inclusive membership and leadership policies that will allow for all Americans to participate in the Boy Scouts."

Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon noted the experience and skills they gained through Boy Scouts in the letter, provided to BuzzFeed on Monday evening. The pair told Wayne Brock, the chief scout executive, "We urge you to pursue a path which recognizes that all Americans should be welcomed into the Scouting family, regardless of sexual orientation."

Although both senators have publicly expressed their opposition to the policy in the past, this is the first time either one has approached the Boy Scouts directly urging a change to the policy. The Scouts' National Executive Board and Committee meetings began Monday, but a decision on the gay ban is not expected until Wednesday.

The senators' letter, dated Feb. 1, comes as President Barack Obama also spoke out in support of the Boy Scouts ending the gay ban on Sunday.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/two-senators-proud-eagle-scouts-urge-boy-scout

[RKP5637]

1. Boy Scouts can be an incredible experience. I styled my entire life around the good things I

learned in Boy Scouts ... teamsmanship, respect for others, etc. And an array of skill sets. We had an incredible troop, scoutmaster, lodge and sponsor.

[FSogol]

2. Same here. n/t

[libdem4life]

3. A lot of how this works for gay boys will be how each Scoutmaster deals with it.

I am much in support of this, but also know that the first few situations will be challenging, like racial integration was, but in the end, the entire culture is enriched and expanded. Who knows, it might allow more boys and Scoutmasters to come out of the closet.

Let's move on, Boy Scouts of America !

[s-cubed]

4. My husband rode a hi-wheeler in a parade honoring the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts.

I made him a sign to wear on his back: Eagle Scout Equality for All. He got a lot of thumbs up.