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In the wake of the mysterious vote by an unnamed committee - possibly influenced by the Catholic and Mormon Churches and some hate groups - to maintain the anti-gay policies of the Boy Scouts of America, the fall out continues. A straight Eagle Scout has returned his Eagle Scout badge stating that he wants nothing to do with the bigoted policies of the organization. Here are highlights from Towleroad:
Martin Cizmar, the arts and culture editor of Portland Oregon's weekly Williamette Week, returned his Eagle Scout badge to the Boy Scouts yesterday in protest of the group's anti-gay policies.Wrote Cizmar: "I am not gay. However, I cannot in good conscious hold this badge as long as the BSA continues a policy of bigotry. Though I didn't know at the time, I was acquainted with a number of gay scouts and scouters. They were all great men, loyal to the scout oath and motto and helpful to the movement. There is no fair reason they should not be allowed to participate in scouting."
Now, Major League Soccer has announced that it will end its partnership with the Boy Scouts. The losers, of course are boys who could benefit from the continued association. Sadly, the leadership of the Boy Scouts of America continues to place religious based bigotry (and possibly knukling under to bigots) ahead of the best interests of the boys that they are supposed to be championing. Here are highlights from Yahoo News:
This January, Major League Soccer announced it was teaming up with the Boy Scouts of America to form a strategic partnership. It turns out that 2012 will be the only season this alliance will be in effect.“Major League Soccer’s agreement with the Boy Scouts of America expires at the end of the 2012 season and MLS does not intend the renew the agreement for a variety of business reasons,” MLS President Mark Abbott said in a statement to Goal.com on Friday.Under the partnership, among other cross-promotions, teams held “Scout Nights” at their stadiums with discounted tickets, and players would visit local troops to discuss fitness and leadership. Earlier in the week, the Boy Scouts of America announced that following a two-year review, it would continue its long-standing policy of excluding gays.MLS did not specify if the ruling affected its decision to end the partnership, but it should be noted the league has supported anti-discriminatory causes like You Can Play, an organization dedicated to ending homophobia in sports.Additionally, many teams, including the Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, D.C. United and the Columbus Crew have held game promotions for gay and lesbian groups. This May, the Fire announced a partnership with Equality Illinois, a LGBT-rights group.
1 comment:
Only one thing is for sure concerning the return of the Eagle badge. It means nothing to the BSA. The letter and badge will probably go into the round file, and it will make not a whit bit of difference to the homophobic, bigoted, worst-first, risk averse "leaders" of the BSA. 300,000 signatures won't do it, lesbian mothers won't do it. The only thing that will change their minds is when the corporations that give millions of dollars withhold that money because of the policy. That will get their attention because then their paychecks will be affected.
Always remember this: Above the Pack/Troop/Team (individual unit) level, the BSA is NOTHING but a business, in business to make money off the youth programs they run. As long as bigoted corporations outnumber non-bigoted corporations in giving, whoever the 11 members are of the secret committee, nothing will change.
Peace <3
Jay
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