Group has wrong stance

Maybe Bob Campbell (“Local Scout leaders abuzz over gay ban,” Sept. 17) should get his facts straight before he speaks. There is no study that shows that gay men are pedophiles. In fact, the most common pedophile is a white, heterosexual, married man. Mr. Campbell talks about keeping the boys safe. Two-deep leadership – where there are two adults present with two or more boys at all times – protects the safety of our sons. No one is supposed to meet one-on-one with a Scout if they are following scouting rules.

Do I believe the Boy Scouts have the right to determine their membership? Yes, I do. Do I support them in their recent decision? No, I do not. I have been a Scout leader for 16 years. I have chosen not to re-register. The Boy Scouts have to realize that they must accept the consequences for their actions. I urge employers not to match funds given to Boy Scouts. I urge all United Ways to re-look at their policies as to whether they want to continue to support an organization that encourages intolerance. The only way the national office will hear our protests is to take away monetary support.

Duane Rhodes, council scout executive for the Mount Baker Council, gave a letter to the writer of The Herald’s article suggesting that having gays is inconsistent with the Scout Oath and Law. Maybe he needs to read the Scout Handbook. “You show true courage when you defend the rights of others.” Morally straight is defined as being able to “respect and defend the rights of all people.”

I find it interesting to note that Eagle Scout, Justice Breyer, voted against the Boy Scouts of America. Maybe he belonged to the same Boy Scouts that I thought I belonged to – one that taught not only outdoor and leadership skills, but also that compassion and tolerance are admirable traits.

Marysville