Jokers to the Right*

Heeding the call of the UUA and others, The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) modified its discriminatory policy, allowing gay scouts to join but maintaining the ban on gay adult scout leaders. At the time UUA President Peter Morales stated,

"...it is abhorrent to continue to discriminate against scout leaders. As a religious community, Unitarian Universalists are called to affirm the worth and dignity of every person regardless of sexual orientation. Starting in 1985, the UUA has spoken out in opposition to the BSA’s discriminatory practices.

Morales added, "Unitarian Universalists remain hopeful that there is still time to persuade the BSA to move from discrimination and prejudice to inclusion and respect for all Americans who wish to participate in scouting.” (Read the full text of Morales' statement.) The Disney Company has adopted this position, stating it will end financial support of the BSA in 2015 because it does not comply with Disney's policy of non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. (Read the full article here.) UU and co-founder of Scouts For Equality Zach Wahls commented, “We’re never happy to see Scouting suffer as a result of the BSA’s anti-gay policy. But Disney made the right decision to withhold support until Scouting is fully inclusive."

Meanwhile, Trail Life – in reactionary opposition to the BSA's policy of allowing gay scouts, is busily recruiting disaffected former scout families, creating new uniforms badges and salutes, and modifying scout programs to fit their own more conservative, and discriminatory position. (Read the story here.)

Learn about the UUA's work moving the BSA to stop anti-gay discrimination. Learn about the UUA's position on other issues of social justice. * Read the lyrics to Stuck in the Middle with You. Watch the video here: [youtube DohRa9lsx0Q])