It is our position that religious institutions are within their right to disaffiliate themselves with programs they deem to be in conflict with their beliefs.  Recently, several churches made the decision to cut ties with the Boy Scouts of America due to BSA’s decision to open their membership to youth who are openly gay. With the largest majority of BSA’s sponsors being religiously affiliated organizations, the decision has spawned mixed emotions.

Conversely, for each troop that has been dropped, other organizations have picked up the sponsorship with open-minded churches among those on the list and even backing the decision. A ban on gay scout leaders is still in effect.

Placing sexual orientation in the spotlight of Boy Scouts of America has left many parents with the dilemma of answering tough and often times age inappropriate questions explaining inclusion or exclusion in the organization.  Sexual activity is prohibited as part of the boy scout promise of being “morally straight” so why should one’s sexuality matter? Willingness to participate by developing character, citizenship and personal fitness alone should be criteria for earning the good person of earth badge. Earning a badge in political correctness should not be the priority.