Boy Scouts Decision on Gay Youth A Start, Still Not Far Enough For Peninsula

Written by L.A. Chung

The Boy Scouts decision to allow openly gay scouts, but not leaders, was being received as good news locally, albeit one that didn't go far enough.

The Pacific Skyline Council, which serves northern Santa Clara County and San Mateo County Scouting families, surveyed members in March. It found a majority of its more than 400 respondents wanted to see a change in the policy, and recommended "a broad non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation." 

"It does not go as far as we had recommended," the newsletter said. "But it nevertheless is a change in the direction the majority of our Scouting family wanted to see."

Rod Sinks, Scoutmaster of BSA Troop 37 in Los Altos, called the vote "a good start," noting that 61 percent of the membership one of America’s largest youth organizations voted in favor.

Nonetheless, he thought the vote was odd, given the BSA's own research. 

"... The resolution, crafted by the BSA Executive Board, was odd, asking for a yes/no vote on whether gay youth—but not gay adults—could be members," Sinks said, in response to a query from Patch.  

"In doing so, the Board seemed to confound pedophilia with sexual orientation, which BSA's own research showed to be unfounded."

Some observers predicted the decision could lead to litigation and defections of  Scouts. Months before the vote, Los Altos Pack 78 took a stand, placing a statement on its website about welcomng "all boys regardless of race, religion, skin color, national origin, disabilities or sexual orientation.”

Mother Jones Magazine reported about Los Altos families joining Navigators, an alternative organization founded by a BSA member who had tried to change the organization from within. It has 45 chapters in 21 states across the country, according to Los Altos chapter leader Tony Porterfield.

"I predict this oddity won't stand for long given rapidly shifting opinions in the general public and particularly among youth and young adults," Sinks said.