What the Boy Scouts Said About Rejecting Gay Eagle Scout

Be prepared. Do a good turn daily. Don't be gay.

The Boy Scouts of America are under fire again for their anti-gay membership policies, after a Moraga teen who had just come out to his friends and family was refused his Eagle Award and rejected from the organization.

The Mt. Diablo Silverado Council issued a statement Thursday about Ryan Andresen's bid to become an Eagle Scout. The Contra Costa Times reported the following: 

"Recently, a Scout proactively notified his unit leadership and Eagle Scout counselor that he does not agree to Scouting's principle of 'Duty to God,' and does not meet Scouting's membership standard on sexual orientation," the statement read. "While the Boy Scouts of America did not proactively ask for this information, based on his statements and after discussion with his family, he is being informed that he is no longer eligible for membership in Scouting." 

Scout law requires that members "always tell the truth," are "loyal," "concerned about other people," "a friend to all," "polite to everyone regardless of age or position," and "kind." The final scout law stipulates reverency: "A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others."

Scouts should also be "obedient," according to scout law — but with one exception: "If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them."

All Boy Scouts take the following oath: "On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight."

What do you think of the Boy Scout laws and the interpretation made by the local Boy Scout Council? Share your thoughts in the comments.