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

Join the Don Corley Parole Hearing

Alabama state law requires a 30 day written notice to all victims before their parole date.  Ever wonder what that notice looks like?  I’m attaching it below.

Notice that the language says “an open public meeting.”   If you are anywhere close to Montgomery, Alabama on the morning of January 31st – why don’t you swing by?  You’ve been so supportive so far, so we feel that our supporters are entitled to attend as well. I’ve been assured we are the first on the docket that morning, so you can attend and get to work just in time for that 10am meeting.

Location details:
301 S Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL  36130

Obviously it will be a bit emotional, so be prepared for that.  Our supporters have been nothing but calm, rational and focused so far,  and we expect nothing less on the day of the hearing. If you attend, please continue to represent 30is30 with pride. If the victims can do it, you can too.

I’d be honored to have your presence and support as we state our case to the Parole Board.  You can’t speak at the hearing, only the victims can.  But your presence is valued. We, as one united group, can say:

“30 years is 30 years, deny parole to Charles Donald Corley!”

Parole Hearing Notification (PDF)

Parole Date Announced

Don Corley’s parole date is January 31st, 2012. The day has finally arrived where we know when the parole date will be. Less than four weeks away!

Part of me is relieved – I’m glad to know this is nearing the end. I’ll be happy to sleep well at night again, to focus on life’s more trivial things. But the little boy in me has a growing fear. What if he is granted parole and ends his jail sentence with just half his time served? What if the Parole Board doesn’t get our message and lets him out early? What if we don’t succeed in getting a significant amount of letters? What if people care from a distance, but don’t actually send in a letter?

I know that’s my fear talking, but I’m being honest with my feelings. So I ask you one more time. If you haven’t sent in your letter yet, now is the time. If you have done a letter… can you do a petition too? Can you get someone else to send in a letter? 10 minutes of your time and the cost of a stamp can truly make a difference – every signature counts (and you don’t have to be in Alabama!)

Even though the date is January 31st, it’s critical we get everything in the mail by January 21st so the letters and petitions get in his file and are reviewed by the Parole Board.

A Sample Letter & Petition are available below.

“Victim #1” Interviewed on The Matt Murphy Show

This morning I was asked to share my story with the good folks at The Matt Murphy Show on 100WAPI the top morning talk show in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally I was invited for one segment, but Matt apparently felt that the story was important enough for FOUR full segments on his morning radio show. I feel incredibly lucky and blessed that Mr. Murphy gave us so much of his valuable time.

To Listen to the show, check out the November 15 Matt Murphy Podcast.

Don Corley: “That longing, that need”

“That longing, that need” was present when Don Corley “had everything.” Prison didn’t take his desire away. It merely delayed it.

Help delay Don Corley’s integration back into your community. Help DENY Don Corley Parole to make sure that he can’t make any new special friends. Write a letter. Sign a petition. Act now.