This story passed me by yesterday, but was even mentioned by front-pager Kaili. Apparently the Boy Scouts of America is finally willing to consider amending their ban on openly gay members and leaders to let individual troops or councils decide their own policy on that subject.
It's been over twenty years since I left the boy scouts, having achieved the rank Eagle, been senior patrol leader and Order of the Arrow, the whole 9 yards. Boy Scouts is what instilled in me my love of the outdoors and concern for environment, and a deep sense of civic duty and patriotism. I owe who I am today to them, both the good and a little bit of the bad. (For those DKos readers who, in the past have dissed my member name, perhaps now you have more insight into why I chose it)
But I was also on the receiving end of a fair amount of harrassment in the Boy Scouts for being perceived as gay, even though I was still wrestling with those questions at the time. Their policy clearly does not live up to the lofty ideals set forth in the Scout Law and Scout Oath. For the BSA to have a blatantly discriminatory policy in place has been like a continuation of that bullying, keeping me from returning any of the gifts of time and mentorship that I received at a young age from the BSA. It is a constant reminder that I am considered less than.
With the revocation of Don't Ask Don't Tell last year, I had hoped this day would come. It hasn't really come yet, it's just an acknowledgement by the BSA that maybe they will think about it, next year.
So, credit where credit is due... thanks especially to Jennifer Tyrrell, the ousted cub pack leader whose cause has caught the attention of many in recent months.
There's a long way to go before we can call this progress, but there is a glimmer of hope here. Keep up the pressure.