When I was tapped for the OA, there were no African-American boys in either of the two lodges where I was a member. Black kids could not come to our camp. It was wrong to exclude them and I took the risk of saying so (as a camp staff member). It is bigoted, ignorant, and wrong to exclude homosexual boys from the programs today. Homosexuality is not something that is taught/learned or caught from others -- that's a fact. Gay boys are often singled out for bullying and the BSA policy simply reinforces this.
As a 60-year veteran scout, scouter, and donor I have learned many things from this organization. However, the lessons on discrimination did not take. It pains me to do this, but I am severing my ties with the Boy Scouts of America. You need not reply to this post as I am closing my account.
