I do not see what all the fuss is about. So what if a boy is gay and that he is now able to get into the boy scouts. I know there were gay boys in the boy scouts when I was in the boy scouts. Did that effect everyone back then? Not that I knew about. So how is it any different today? So the boys can now say hey I am gay. Big deal. The fact that we are talking so much about it means that gay rights will soon be as common place as women voting. As soon as we started to talk about it openly means that a change is coming. Whether you agree with that change or not it is going to happen. THis change will allow boys to be more open about who they are so they no longer have to hide the fact they are gay. I think this is good as it will take more stress off these kids.
However, now they're out and proud, once they turn eighteen, they will have to drop out of the scouting association. This is a big deal. I agree that I think when I was younger, there were probably gay people in my group, but because no one asked, it wasn't an issue. If any of these gay kids want to continue onto become leaders or go into rovers, they won't be allowed to because they've already come out. That, to me is unfair.
There are many many kids that once they turn 18 and graduate from school drop out of the boy scouts program. There is not many positions open for new leaders after these kids reach 18. Most leaders of the boy scout programs are dads or mothers with kids in boy scouts or kids that recently were in boy scouts. I do not recall any leaders who were younger than 25 in the scouting program. I know it is unfair to keep leaders who are outspoken homosexuals from being leaders but I can see the reason for it too.
I was in the scouts too, from Tiger Cubs all the way up to Boy Scouts and Order of the Arrow. In my time I knew of a few of the other boys being gay. I'd never heard any stories of a gay kid coming on to any of the others, we were there to camp and hike and have fun being boys.
In my opinion, it's fine that there are gay kids in Scouts. Why do people feel the need to try to ostracize kids in an organization that is based on tenants that include that a scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, and Brave. It almost makes me not want my son or daughters to join either Boy or Girl Scouts if they'd be put up to scrutiny of their gender identity.
Boy Scouts to accept gays
The Boy Scouts of America will accept openly gay youths starting on New Year's Day, a historic change that has prompted the BSA to ponder a host of potential complications - ranging from policies on tentmates and showers to whether Scouts can march in gay pride parades. Ref. Source 8
I was reading a report about the declining membership among the Boy Scouts of America. Hardly any surprise considering the issues they've been facing over the years. The Boy Scouts of America has become too political and lost focus on simply teaching the boys how to camp, tie knots and do first aid.