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Update
Just Received a copy of this letter from the Chief Scout Exec.....Thought you might like to read it....
To: National Executive Board and Advisory Council
CC: Cabinet, Regional Directors, Group Directors, Area Directors, Department Managers, Scout Executives
We want to let you know that a Scout in California proactively notified his troop leadership and Eagle Scout Counselor that he does not subscribe to Scouting’s principle of “Duty to God” and does not meet Scouting’s membership standard on sexual orientation.
As you know, agreeing to do one’s “Duty to God” is a part of the Scout Oath and Law and a requirement of achieving the Eagle Scout rank. Also, the BSA does not proactively inquire about the sexual orientation of employees, volunteers, or members, nor do we have an agenda on this matter. Additionally, if a young man has a question about his sexuality, Scouting treats him with dignity and respect and refers him to his parents and other advisors.
Based on his public statements that he does not agree with the “Declaration of Religious Principle,” local volunteer leadership determined he does not meet BSA’s membership standards and therefore he did not pass his Eagle Board of Review. After discussion with his family, yesterday he was informed that he is no longer eligible for membership in Scouting.
Earlier this week his family created an online petition to draw attention to this matter. While we set policies that are best for our organization as a whole, we do not condemn those who wish to follow a different path. I want to assure you that in this case Scouting did not proactively ask for information about his sexual orientation, or made this decision lightly or without careful consideration.
If you receive questions about this news, please feel free to share the contents of this email.
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