Hypocrisy, Bigotry and the Boy Scouts

WC was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout. WC never made it to Eagle, but did get to Life Scout, the runner-up spot. WC was also a Boy Scout Camp Counsellor one summer, and had an impressive swath of merit badges.

For the last seven years or so, WC and Mrs. WC have made their annual contribution to United Way of the Tanana Valley with instructions that none of their donation was to go to the Midnight Sun Council of the Boy Scouts of America. A small gesture against the Boy Scouts of America’s homophobic policies.

Last month, after a claimed two years of study and review, the Boy Scouts of America reaffirmed its homophobia.

Sometimes you have to draw a line

In response, more than one hundred Eagle Scouts have returned their Eagle Scout badges to the Boy Scouts of America. You can read their letters. WC doesn’t have to add anything to those lucid, compelling and honest statements. Except to join them. His Life Scout Badge is en route to Boy Scout national headquarters.

To the gay members of WC’s former troop, WC extends his apologies.

To the the executive committee of the BSA National Executive Board, WC recommends reading and thinking about the Scout Oath.