Thoughts on the Boy Scout Decision Allowing Gay Scouts

On Thursday, May 23rd 2013, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) voted to open their ranks to openly gay boys for the first time. The vote was conducted by secret ballot during the National Council’s annual meeting in Dallas. Of the approximate 1,400 members of the council who cast ballots, 61% supported the proposal. The policy change takes effect Jan. 1, 2014.

As an Eagle Scout, an adult volunteer to the organization, and a victim of child molestation from my Assistant Scoutmaster when I was a kid, I support the decision. Here are my thoughts:

• The traditionalist in me is sad that a 100+ year old organization like the BSA is changing a fundamental platform for what they stand for. However it’s ok to feel sad and nostalgic as I look back on my history with the BSA even as I look to the future with anticipation.
• If the BSA continued to hold the core belief of “no gays”, I think they would become irrelevant as time marches on. The world is changing – organizations and institutions won’t thrive under exclusionary traditions and beliefs.
• Forget all the court cases and propaganda over the last few decades. I know that gay men and boys have participated in the BSA over the years all across America, regardless of their policy. So, doesn’t it make sense that an organization that promotes so many good values allows an environment where boys can be authentic instead of lying about who they are?
• I don’t believe you can catch “gay” like it’s a disease. If you are gay, you are gay. If you are straight, you are straight. I am straight and am friends with more homosexual people than I can count. I evaluate my friends and family based on who they are, how they represent themselves, their values, and their communication style. Not their race or sexual orientation.
• Teenagers who are searching for their sexual identity need the Scout Oath and Law too; adults can inspire and lead a young man regardless of sexual orientation.
• Sexual orientation and sexual behavior are two different things. As long as the BSA emphasizes their two-deep leadership program, there will be little room for shenanigans. Adult leaders who are hell bent on taking advantage of little boys in any capacity will do so regardless of the institutional policy. Bad people happen to good organizations, regardless of policy.
• In my heart of hearts I believe that in 50 years we will look back at this issue and view it like we look at racial equality today – meaning that in 50 years the division between heterosexual and homosexual orientation may no longer exist.
• I’m not a theologian and don’t pretend to be one. But I grew up being told in Church to love, accept, serve – unconditionally. So I’ll do that. I struggle to do everything God wants me to do; I have no time to judge other people. I’m going to live the best life I possibility can and let God sort things out when it’s all said and done.

Innovation and Maturation are innately disruptive to those that are resistant to change. We cannot let fear be the main motivator of our decisions, our reactions.

So I’m going to be who I am. I’ll do my best to walk a path so that others might view me as a role model – I DO have an impact on others, every day. I can control only what I can control, and leave the rest to God. I’m going to emulate Jesus as much as possible. I’m going to love my family, love my neighbor, love myself. I will pray. I will keep growing. And no matter what, I’m determined to leave this world better than I found it.

Gays in the Boy Scouts of America won’t change any of that for me.

– Jason Lee

This op-ed was used in a story on AL.com. Read the Story Here