What is the deal in California?

I, too, am a Californian. This is an example of political correctness out of control. Basically the state is trying to tell the Boy Scout, a private organization, what to think. The state is saying that if a group does not think like they do, then there is something wrong with that group.

 

The purpose of the measure was to recognize the efforts of Boy Scouts who earn the rank of Eagle Scout, and to encourage the Boy Scouts of America to accept for membership and leadership positions all qualified boys and men, without discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or religious belief.

As a matter of law, it has no legal weight. It's simply a resolution (not a bill). It is simply some senators and assemblypersons making a statement as members of their office.

While I'm glad that the resolution recognizes the efforts of members who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, I must agree with ChurchBoy. I'm generally not in favor of lawmakers influencing private organizations. However, as a former Boy Scout myself, I've always found it hypocritical that the BSA has no policy of expelling heterosexual men as leaders if it's discovered that they are in a sexual relationship with a female (or even living outside of marriage with a female), but will categorically expel a homosexual leader, even if that person is celibate. Additionally, there's no policy expelling a Scount if it's discovered he's sexually active, while a gay member will be expelled, even if that person is a virgin. Don't get me wrong, I love the BSA, and would recommend it to anyone of any religious creed, Christian or otherwise.


Full text of the resolution is attached below:

BILL NUMBER: ACR 89 ENROLLED
BILL TEXT

PASSED THE SENATE AUGUST 25, 2003
PASSED THE ASSEMBLY APRIL 24, 2003
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY APRIL 10, 2003

INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Goldberg (Coauthors: Assembly Members Bermudez, Chu, Diaz, Dutra, Firebaugh, Hancock, Kehoe, Koretz, Laird, Leno, Lieber, Longville, Lowenthal, Montanez, Nation, Pavley, Ridley-Thomas, Vargas, and Wiggins) (Coauthor: Senator Kuehl)

APRIL 8, 2003

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 89--Relative to the Boy Scouts of America.


WHEREAS, Since the founding of the Boy Scouts of America, millions of Boy Scouts have taken the experience of scouting and gone on to contribute great things to society; and
WHEREAS, A Boy Scout can be followed, as he is a leader in histroop and community, regardless of the scout's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, sexual
orientation, or disability; and
WHEREAS, The list of former Boy Scouts includes diverse role models and leaders; and
WHEREAS, A Boy Scout lives honorably, not only because honor is important to him, but because of the significant example he sets for other scouts; and
WHEREAS, Loyalty to his troop and brother scouts makes him "pitch-in" and carry his share of the load, recognizing the devotion to his family and the community in which he lives; and
WHEREAS, A Boy Scout's courage means standing up for what he believes in without compromising his own beliefs; and
WHEREAS, A Boy Scout looks forward to each day, seeking his share of the world's work to do; and
WHEREAS, Honor, loyalty, and courage are hallmarks of scouts who admirably represent the community, council, and troop in their daily lives; and
WHEREAS, A Boy Scout always wears a smile as a constant reminder of cheerfulness; and
WHEREAS, A Boy Scout is helpful in service and will always "Be Prepared" to put forth his best; and
WHEREAS, The character traits represented by Boy Scouts are symbols present in the Boy Scout badge, worn proudly on the uniform, by youth in this state and across the country; and
WHEREAS, It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people, and in other ways to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential; and
WHEREAS, The values that the Boy Scouts of America strives to instill are found in the Boy Scout Oath and Law; and
WHEREAS, Boy Scouts are required to abide by the Scout Law and Scout Oath which proudly uses such terms as "honor," "trustworthy," and "loyal;" and
WHEREAS, Many Boy Scouts have been forced to hide their identity in contradiction to the Scout Mission, Law, and Oath, and Boy Scouts and scout leaders who were open about their sexual orientation have been expelled from scouting; and
WHEREAS, The policy of the Boy Scouts of America to bar from membership or leadership positions otherwise qualified individuals solely on the basis of their sexual orientation or eligious belief causes harm to the innumerable boys and men such as James Dale who, regardless of their hard work and merits, are denied the opportunity to hold the rank of Eagle Scout or participate in any way in the Boy Scouts of America; and
WHEREAS, Many former Boy Scouts have left scouting and formed their own inclusive organization, Scouting for All, in an effort to bring the values of scouting to youth without discrimination; and
WHEREAS, The discriminatory policy of the Boy Scouts of America is contrary to the policy of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, Other similar organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Boys and Girls, and the Boys and Girls Club serve as role models for the Boy Scouts of America because they do not discriminate against youth and adults; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the outstanding efforts of Boy Scouts who, through persistence and hard work, earn the rank of Eagle Scout; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature encourages the Boy Scouts of America to accept for membership and leadership positions, including the rank of Eagle Scout, all qualified boys and men, without
discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or religious belief; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.