These policies have led to various disputes and controversies.
[82], In 2005, a 19-year-old Eagle Scout, Hans Zeiger, wrote a book entitled Get Off My Honor: The Assault on the Boy Scouts of America. Every year when it comes time to renew its charter, troops simply cross out a promise to abide by the Boy Scouts' policies. For over a century, presidents, CEOs, astronauts, and athletes have begun their journeys as Scouts. The letter came from GSUSA president Kathy Hopinkah Hannan. In 2001, the U.S. Congress passed the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, which was included as part of the No Child Left Behind Act, and which encouraged the BSA's access to educational facilities.
99—699, Boy Scouts v. James Dale", "Scouting Forms from the National Council", "Boy Scouts: We're keeping policy banning gays", "After Boy Scouts of America reaffirms exclusion of gays, the biggest leadership question remains", Miranda Leitsinger, "Boy Scouts board member opposes anti-gay policy", June 13, 2012, "AT&T CEO commits to ending ban on gay Boy Scouts, leaders", "Boy Scouts may soon welcome gay scouts, leaders", "Boy Scouts close to ending ban on gay members, leaders", "Executive Board Decision Media Statement", "Boy Scouts: We need more time for decision on gay membership", "Boy Scouts proposing to lift ban on gays as youth members, keep it for adult leaders", "Mormon Church Supports Gay Boy Scouts, Calls Proposal A 'Thoughtful, Good-Faith Effort, "Church Issues Statement on Boy Scouts of America", "Boy Scouts of America votes to ease ban on gay members", "The Boy Scouts' New York Chapter Make Precedential Hire", "Irving-based Boy Scouts of America's executive committee votes to end ban on gay leaders", "Boy Scouts lift blanket ban on gay adult leaders, employees", "Boy Scouts Vote to End Ban on Gay Leaders", "Amicus Curiae Brief in Barnes-Wallace v. Bsa", "Matters List of Charities with closing info", "Brief of Amici Curiae, Boy Scouts of America v. James Dale", "What Happens If Scouts Must Admit Gays? It is unacceptable to refuse Membership, or question a young person's suitability to continue to participate fully in a Section, if they express doubts about the meaning of the Promise. Some push for a voluntary change within the BSA, others seek involuntary change by filing lawsuits, still others choose to disassociate themselves from the BSA or encourage others to do so. Find BP on the Radio, Articles But on this anniversary, the future of this storied organization is far from certain. Reuters/PBS Newshour. ), However, in announcing the decision to end their participation in Varsity and Venturing, the Church stipulated that it was unrelated to recent speculation about increased integration of girls and young women in the BSA: “Our decision to end our participation in the Varsity and Venturing programs was made independent of this possibility and before that time.”. State and local governments still have flexibility regarding the provision of special access to the BSA.[162].
The recognition of a [defined] God as the ruling and leading power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgment of /“His”/ favors and blessings are necessary to the best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members. In 2002, the National Executive Board of Boy Scouts of America reiterated its support for the policies and affirmed that "the Boy Scouts of America shall continue to follow its traditional values and standards of leadership".