Boy Scouts of America (BSA)

Opposition to the BSA's policies of discrimination

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The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) discriminates on the basis of religious belief (no Atheists and Agnostics allowed) and sexual orientation (no gays and bisexuals allowed) We describe these policies elsewhere.

Early opposition to BSA discrimination policies:

1991: William Boyce Mueller, grandson of BSA founder William Dickson Boyce, joined with a group of other gays called "The Forgotten Scouts." Their goal is to disprove the BSA's "claim that homosexuals do not exist among its ranks." The group hopes to prove that "gays have always been an important part of scouting in America." They hope "to destroy the myth that gay men are bad role models for young boys."

1992: Troup 260 of San Jose CA adopted a policy: "We do not agree that sexual orientation is immoral. Sexual preference is a private issue. We don't believe it to be relevant in the selection of adult leaders or in the awarding of Eagle Scout rank."

Scouting for All:

1993: "Scouting for All" (S4A) was founded by Mike Cahn, Ken McPherson, Don Henry, Dave Rice and others. They promote making the scouting movement open to persons of all sexual orientations and religious beliefs. ₁

1997: By this time, Scouting for All was inactive. 12 year old Steve Cozza wrote a letter to the editor which received "wide media attention and public support." This breathed new life into the organization. ₁

S4A is committed to "Scouting open to diversity." Its mission is "to get the Boy Scouts of America to rescind its policy of discrimination against gay youth and adults." S4A feels that "the future of Scouting depends upon the Boy Scouts of America being respected by all parts of American Society."

SpiralScouts International.™:

2001: SpiralScouts.™. International began as a program of the Aquarian Tabernacle Church (ATC), "partly in reaction to Boy Scouts policies prohibiting gays." _2,3 It spread widely and is now available worldwide. According to the SpiralScouts web site:

"Each group is led by both a male and a female adult, to achieve and teach the balance that is so central to Earth-centered beliefs. While SpiralScouts was developed on Pagan beliefs and practices, it is designed to be adaptable by other minority faiths as well. In addition to traditional woodland lore, camping and the outdoor living skills, the program includes teaching the many mythologies of the ancient world. Uniquely, it includes a component new to youth group programming - life strategies and skills for teens, to help them learn early how to have good relationships with their peers and adults, and interpersonal skills that will serve them throughout their adult lives. " ₄

The smallest groups, consisting of a single-family group or groups containing up to two unrelated children are called a Hearth and are led by one or two parents, called Hearth Keepers.

Larger group are called a Circle. Within each circle there may be a number of Hearths. Often they are organized by age:

A Clan is a larger council group made up of two or more Circles. A Tribe is a group made up of local Clans and are normally country, state or province-wide. ₅

Navigators:

This is an organization based in New York City wwith programs for boys and girls aged 7 to 18. It appears to be an inclusive group with many of the same goals as the BSA.

The oath taken by their youth members is called the "Navigator Moral Compass:"

"As a Navigator I promise to do my best To help create a world free of prejudice and ignorance.
To treat people of every race, creed, lifestyle and ability with dignity and respect.
To strengthen my body and Improve my mind to reach my full potential.
To protect our planet and preserve our freedom."

Their Cardinal Points are:

"A Navigator is Truthful, Respectful, Inclusive, Generous, Patient, Dependable, Resourceful, and Honest." ₆

On 2005-NOV-02, we requested more information on their group so that we can augment this description.

Related essays on this site:

References:

1. Scouting for All has a web site at: http://www.scoutingforall.org/
2. Matthew Brown, "Flourishing, pagan groups get organized," at: http://www.religionnewsblog.com
3. SpiralScouts have a web site at: http://www.spiralscouts.org
4. "General Info," SpiralScouts, at: http://www.spiralscouts.org/
5. "Structure," SpiralScouts, at: http://www.spiralscouts.org/
6. Navigators have a web site at: http://www.dysongraphics.com/navigators/

Copyright © 1999 to 2005 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. 
Originally published on 1999-AUG-9 
Latest updated: 2005-NOV-02
Author: B.A. Robinson