This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Re "Boy Scouts proposing to lift gay ban for youth" (Tribune, April 20):
I was deeply offended by Friday's official statement that "The Boy Scouts of America does not have an agenda on the matter of sexual orientation, and resolving this complex issue is not the role of the organization, nor may any member use scouting to promote or advance any social or political position or agenda."
Despite that affirmation, by banning lesbian Cub Scout den mothers and gay scoutmasters, the Boy Scouts are stating an agenda on this complex issue: You are not acceptable; you are lacking or you possess some attribute that is so wrong that we don't want you around our children. How is that "no agenda"?
Being neutral is having no policy on gays in the organization, or letting each troop and its sponsor decide for itself.
It's the Boy Scouts' right to discriminate, but they shouldn't be rewarded for it. Cities with non-discrimination laws should prohibit the Scouts from using public facilities, like schools, and maybe their tax-exempt status should be yanked.
Bigotry should not be rewarded.
Justin Taylor
Rose Park