\begindata{text822, 0} X-Added: With Flames (bblib $Revision: 1.2 $) Return-path: X-Andrew-Authenticated-as: 0;andrew.cmu.edu;Network-Mail Received: from po3.andrew.cmu.edu via trymail for bb+assocs.out@andrew.cmu.edu ID ; Thu, 5 Aug 1993 21:29:12 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: Received: from MORPHEUS.CIMDS.RI.CMU.EDU (MORPHEUS.CIMDS.RI.CMU.EDU [128.2.254.12]) by po3.andrew.cmu.edu (8.5/8.5) with SMTP id VAA28922; Thu, 5 Aug 1993 21:29:06 -0400 To: bb+assocs.out@ANDREW.CMU.EDU Subject: boy scouts lawsuit and letter Date: Thu, 5 Aug 93 21:28:09 EDT From: scotts@MORPHEUS.CIMDS.RI.CMU.EDU Sender: scotts@MORPHEUS.CIMDS.RI.CMU.EDU Source-Info: Sender is really scotts@MORPHEUS.CIMDS.RI.CMU.EDU from soc.motss From: kmeyer@aero.org (Kraig R. Meyer) Earlier this week I received a letter from the lawyers of James Dale, who is suing the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for reinstatement. One of the major points in the suit is that the BSA does not inform members and prospective members that discriminating against homosexuals is a basic principle of the organization. If you were in the Boy Scouts, were not aware of their policy, and would like to sign a statement in support of James' lawsuit, you may wish to write to Ms. Elisabeth Ostrow, CLEARY, GOTTLIEB, STEEN & HAMILTON, One Liberty Plaza, New York, New York 10006. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER you were a scout or not, you can help apply continued pressure to the Boy Scouts by writing to express to tell them that you disapprove of their policy. You may wish to send copies to local United Way chapters or other funding organizations as well. There is a sample letter attached below, though you will want to edit the first paragraph depending on what your personal situation is. Some relevant addresses: (a) Chief Scout Executive Boy Scouts of America 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane P.O. Box 152079 Irving TX 75015-2079 (b) National Eagle Scout Association Boy Scouts of America 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane P.O. Box 152079 Irving TX 75015-2079 (c) Boy Scouts of America (check your phone book for the local council address) ------------------CUT HERE----------------------CUT HERE--------------- Some One 234 Any Street City, State ZIP October 21, 1991 Dear [Chief Scout Executive]: [It was recently suggested that I [join] or [renew my membership in] the National Eagle Scout Association as] I was [a scout from 19xx to 19xx] or [awarded the eagle scout award in 19xx in the xxx council]. I still believe in Scouting's principles set forth in the scout oath and law, and as a scout--particularly through the various Citizenship merit badges--I was taught to express my view and fight for what is right. I am writing you today to tell you that the BSA's policy regarding gays in scouting is not right. It is a policy of discrimination that is clearly inconsistent with the ideals of scouting. A recent Department of Health and Human Services Study concluded that young gay men are many times more likely to attempt suicide than other young men. Many believe that this is due to a lack of positive gay role models in organizations like the BSA. The BSA should take a responsible role in building self esteem among all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. The current BSA policy is destructive torwards the self-esteem of young gay men. All reputable studies have shown that sexual orientation is an innate feature of an individual's personality by early childhood. As such, it is not something that can be chosen or easily changed--either by adults or boys of scouting age. A task force of 50+ scouters and ex-scouts discussed this issue in 1991, and made the following recommendations: (1) The BSA should destroy all local and national "blacklists" that exist to discriminate against gays. (2) Eliminate any policies that prohibit gay men and boys from being scouters or scouts. (3) Issue a policy statement that states that scout leaders are to be selected on their ability to serve as responsible adult role models, and their ability to protect the safety of the young people involved--and that sexual orientation is an irrelevant factor in this decision. (4) Defer all issues of leader selection to the local (council or troop level) so that they are resolved in a manner consistent with the values of the local community. (5) Adopt, as policy, that it is unAmerican and inconsistent with the scout oath and law to advocate the violation of any law, including discrimination laws. (6) To cease and desist participation in any lawsuits that seek to justify BSA's violation of discrimination laws, and to use the money instead to support worthwhile programs within BSA. I strongly urge the BSA to discontinue its use of sexual orientation as a basis for excluding any individual from participating in or leading any BSA group and look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours in Scouting, Some Scout ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- For general unmoderated discussion, mail to "eagles@flash.usc.edu". If you wish to be removed from this list, mail to "eagles-request@flash.usc.edu." \enddata{text822, 0}