Since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America have been dedicated “to prepare young
people to make ethical choices.” The Scout oath required boys and their leaders to be
morally straight.

That is why it was so jarring to hear recently that the Boy Scouts of America was
“discussing potentially removing the national membership restriction regarding sexual
orientation.” Local chartered organizations would essentially make their own decisions
so that scouts and their families could “choose a local unit which best meets the needs of
their families.”

The pressure on the Boy Scouts to change their policy is understandable. One
hundred years ago, they were one of the most admired organizations in America. Today
they are one of the most vilified organizations in the country. Perhaps the leadership
thought this policy change might help them to survive and fend off some of the criticism
they have received.

Implementing this policy will not stop the criticism. Homosexual activists will
not be appeased until there is a national policy eliminating any standard of morality. In
the mean time, local chapters will feel lots of pressure to fall in line with Boy Scout
headquarters.

The larger question is whether it will be good for the boys and the local chapters
of the Boy Scouts. More than two-thirds (69%) of Boy Scout troops are charted by faith-
based organizations. Many will leave the Boy Scout organization to start their own or
simply stop providing a venue for the boys.

More than 2,000 cases of child molestation have surfaced in the Boy Scouts over
the years. This is what has occurred with the current policy of the Boy Scouts. What
would be the impact of this new policy? I asked my radio audience if they thought this
proposed policy would increase or decrease the number of those cases. I think we all
know that would increase the rate of child sexual abuse.

I am certain the Boy Scouts were tired of the criticism, lost sponsors, and
evictions. That still does not justify a policy proposal that was a really, bad idea.