Scouting Controversy
I’m a Cub Scout den leader: when my middle son wanted to join I stepped up because there wasn’t anyone else. Our family aren’t religious and we aren’t conservative. So I was nervous. I learned though, that Scouting isn’t all that much about religion and it’s definitely not about sex or gender. Or really even fires, tents and such. Scouting is about role models, team work, community bonds, trust, honesty, respect, and – and here’s the kicker – instilling in the children our culture’s values.
And I think that’s what all this fluff and controversy is about. The anti-gay population don’t want kids growing up thinking that it’s OK to choose to be gay. The rest of us believe that it’s not a choice but a characteristic. We believe that hiding it is dishonest and discriminating against it is disrespectful.
Since both sides value honesty and trust so highly, we’re at a bit of a loggerheads about the matter.