The Boy Scouts of America is poised to accept gay adults into the organization, but it also plans to allow religiously based units to exclude them.
Earlier this month, BSA’s executive committee voted unanimously to recommend the policy change, and BSA’s executive board is expected to ratify it next week.
Last month, the local BSA Cradle of Liberty Council adopted an employment and membership policy opposed to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation — without an explicit religious exemption.
This week, it remained unclear whether Cradle would require all of its 500 units to abide by Cradle’s new policy, regardless of a unit’s religious values.
Cradle has about 5,000 adult volunteers who serve about 16,500 youths in Philadelphia, Montgomery and Delaware counties. Cradle’s units include troops, packs, teams, crews and groups.
One of Cradle’s troops, known as Troop 474, occupies a city-owned “Scout House,” at 726 E. Wigard St. in Fairmount Park, near Wissahickon Creek.
Cradle’s policy states: “Discrimination in any form, including but not limited to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, is contrary to the Scout Oath and Law, and we in the Cradle of Liberty Council will vigorously oppose it from whatever source.”
Cradle President James M. Papada 3d was asked if Cradle will require all of its 500 units to abide by Cradle’s new policy.
“[S]uffice it to say that our policy as currently posted on our website is our policy, speaks for itself and requires no further explanation,” Papada replied in an email. “If issues arise which do require interpretation, they will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis involving all affected parties.”
National BSA leaders have indicated negative repercussions for any BSA council that requires all of its units to accept gay adults regardless of a unit’s religious values.
All BSA units nationwide must accept gay male youth. But LGBT advocates say units that exclude gay adults also create a hostile environment for gay youth.
Palma M. Rasmussen is an outspoken advocate of LGBT equality within Scouting. She expressed dismay with BSA’s proposed policy change.
“I’m not surprised that national [BSA] has found a loophole to continue its discriminating ways,” Rasmussen told PGN.
She said if Cradle allows some of its units to exclude gay adults, a list of those units should be published, along with a list of units that accept gay adults.
“People have a right to know if they’re involved with a hostile Scouting unit,” Rasmussen said. “We’re talking about the safety of youth and adults alike. A gay child or adult could be outed, resulting in violence or even death. I’m not exaggerating. Take a look at the many cases of antigay violence that abound in our country.”
She noted that all BSA units must reapply for a charter annually.
“A question should be included on the charter application, asking if the unit will accept gay adults,” she said. “The results should be prominently displayed on Cradle’s website. If BSA won’t create an application with this question, then every council, including Cradle, should create its own. The results should also be prominently displayed on BSA’s website.”
Geoffrey C. McGrath, another advocate for equality in Scouting, also spoke in favor of advance warning about exclusionary BSA units.
McGrath was ejected from Scouting in 2014 after coming out as a gay Scoutmaster in Seattle.
“Some type of warning is imperative, so kids and families can avoid groups that are opposed to LGBT equality,” McGrath said. “Failure to provide such warning is to neglect their needs and recklessly endanger them.”
He added: “I just hope Cradle institutes clear policies and procedures that ensure the safety of all children and families.”
McGrath noted that gay youth, in particular, are “at risk for bullying, violence and inappropriate outing to their parents or peers.”
Cradle is headquartered in Treddyfrin Township, but it was formerly located in a city-owned building on the Ben Franklin Parkway. Cradle left the building about two years ago after a drawn-out legal battle with the City of Philadelphia over the group’s refusal to sign a city lease with comprehensive antibias language.
In a prior interview, Papada said Cradle has no intention of trying to return to the building.