Moral Dilemma

Since I am an Eagle Scout and a Scoutmaster, I’ve been asked by several people about my thoughts on the Boy Scout’s ban on gay members and leaders.  And to be honest, I haven’t decided.  What I want to know is this; what policy is best for the boys served by the Scouting program and the future generations in which these boys will be leaders and role models?

After numerous court cases, particularly BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA et al. v. DALE, in which the US Supreme Court affirmed the Boy Scouts’ First Amendment right of freedom of association, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) adopted a new youth leadership policy that stated, “Boy Scouts of America believes that homosexual conduct is inconsistent with the obligations in the Scout Oath and Law to be morally straight and clean in thought, word, and deed.  Scouting’s position with respect to homosexual conduct accords with the moral positions of many millions of Americans and with religious denominations to which a majority of Americans belong. Because of these views, Boy Scouts of America believes that a known or avowed homosexual is not an appropriate role model of the Scout Oath and Law for adolescent boys.”

This policy was a sore point for many.  Many organizations that had supported BSA in the past distanced themselves from the organization because of the policy. Many chartering organizations were no longer willing to sponsor troops and packs. Steven Spielberg, an Eagle Scout himself, resigned his position as an advisory board member of the BSA over what he described as discriminatory practices.   

As recent as July, 2012, the BSA reaffirmed its ban on gay members and leaders.  However, on January 28^th, the Boy Scouts of America released a media statement that said, in part, “Currently, the BSA is discussing potentially removing the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation. This would mean there would no longer be any national policy regarding sexual orientation, and the chartered organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting would accept membership and select leaders consistent with each organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs. BSA members and parents would be able to choose a local unit that best meets the needs of their families.”

What is the purpose of the Boy Scouts?  The BSA website says, “The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”

For over 100 years, scouts have been pledging, “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”  The Scout Law, unchanged since 1911, says, “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.”

BSA banned gay leaders and youth because it viewed homosexuality as immoral, therefore a homosexual could not be morally straight.  But what does BSA consider as morally straight?

My first Boy Scout Handbook, the eighth edition, published in 1976, explains morally straight as, “You live and act and speak in ways that mark you as a boy who will grow up to be a man of good character. You are honest, clean in speech and actions, thoughtful of the rights of others, and faithful to your religious beliefs.”  The 12^th, and most recent edition, explains it this way, “Your relationships with others should be honest and open.  Respect and defend the rights of all people. Be clean in your speech and actions and faithful in your religious beliefs. Values you practice as a Scout will help you shape a life of virtue and self-reliance.”

Does homosexuality disqualify a person as being morally straight?  Some people think so.  I know heterosexuality is not an automatic qualification for morally straight.

What I do know is this, Scout leaders have a responsibility to teach self-reliance and instill moral code in youth that allows them to make ethical choices.  This occurs through active teaching and serving as role models. Scouting should not be a bully pulpit for a Scout leader’s sexual orientation and lifestyle, nor should it be a platform to push for acceptance of alternative lifestyles.  Any discussions about sexuality should be on the subject of sexual responsibility.  As the Scout Handbook says, “Sex is not the most important or grown-up part of a relationship. Having sex is never a test of manliness.  True maturity comes from acting ethically…”  It talks about responsibility to women, enjoying a healthy relationship that is supportive and equal; responsibility to yourself by having an understanding of wholesome sexual behavior and avoiding irresponsible and risky behavior; and responsibility to your religious beliefs.

Regardless of the decision, I caution the decision-makers on how they implement any changes. Usually, I am not a big believer in one-size-fits-all policies.  However, passing the buck down to the local councils and charter organizations seems like a recipe for a mish-mash of policies that weaken the program. In this case, I think BSA needs a consistent national policy so that the Scouting experience is the same for scouts across the country. Regardless of the outcome, not everyone will be happy and I am afraid the reaction of parents and organizations is likely to hobble the program, much to the detriment of the youth.

As I’ve written before, the moral compass of the Boy Scouts, the Scout Oath and Scout Law, sets a standard of conduct that is conspicuously absent in many in our society.  Scouting builds self-reliance, sets a moral code and finds purpose in our young people.  More than ever, this country needs a program that sets standards of conduct and trains youth to be leaders.  If Scouting can accommodate homosexual leaders and youth into the program without compromising its mission and allow more youth a chance to participate in the program and exposure to positive adult role models, especially positive male role models, then perhaps Scouting should move in that direction.  But, let’s not undermine the mission of the program just for the sake of political correctness.