Want to do something for equality? Buy Girl Scout Cookies. How does buying those yummy cookies from a young girl further equality?
Oh, you might need an ibuprofen for this one but, as usual, it starts out with a Republican member of the Indiana House of Representatives. I’m guessing you’re sitting down waiting with baited breath.
When the Indiana House decided last month to introduce a resolution honoring the 100th birthday of the Girl Scouts, Rep. Bob Morris became so enraged that he shot off a letter to fellow Indiana representatives urging them to vote against the Girl Scouts. What the heck can you imagine that the representative felt was so terrorizing from these little girls? Now folks, you can’t make this stuff up. It’s a comedian’s dream, from Morris’ letter:
“The group’s agenda promotes abortion, gay sex and ‘sexualizing young girls’ … Many parents are abandoning the Girl Scouts because they promote homosexual lifestyles. In fact, the Girl Scouts education seminar girls are directed to study the example of role models. Of the 50 role models listed, only three have a briefly mentioned religious background — all the rest are feminists, lesbians or communists.”
Are you shaking your head in disbelief yet? Stay tuned; it gets even more convoluted. He goes on to state:
“Boys who decide to claim a ‘transgender’ or cross-dressing lifestyle are permitted to become a member of a Girl Scout troop, performing crafts with the girls and participate in overnight and camping activities — just like any real girl.”
Now, that last statement is a fact. And one in which the Girl Scouts take pride. It’s called inclusion — acceptance. They do accept trans children. Embracing them, rather than do what Morris would do — kick a 12-year-old out on her ass and begin a lifetime of hate. This trans girl now will feel acceptance and love. To me, the words of Morris are a hate crime on a child, a transchild.
Unlike the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts do not discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. When it became an issue of the Boy Scouts discrimination policy, the Girl Scouts proudly stated they do not discriminate against the sexual-minority community. When faced with the issue of trans children, the organization followed its heart and mission to add to children’s lives. And that includes lesbians and trans children. So even if you’re on a diet, this is the best excuse to go out and buy a box — or several — of Girl Scout Cookies.
After being roundly criticized for his comments, Morris issued a letter of apology. But it was too late and the damage was already done.
Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached at [email protected] .