It was a monumental but highly controversial decision in May when the Boy Scouts of America voted to allow openly gay members into the organization, but now one group is looking to change that.
"The voting members of the National Council today approved a resolution removing the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation alone effective January 1, 2014." (Via YouTube / newnewsinworld)
After the decision, it was estimated thousands of troops and leaders would leave the organization that has been funded by churches for years. (Via The Dallas Morning News )
"One thing that was considered on both sides of this argument if the ban would be upheld or if it would be lifted that there would be in the short term a loss of membership because this is a very passionate issue." (Via CNN)
And so it is, as this weekend those who opposed the tolerance of openly gay members launched their own group called Trail Life USA created through the OnMyHonor.net campaign, which is aimed at creating an alternative to the Boy Scouts without gay members.
"More than 1,200 people are gathered at the Music City Sheraton Hotel in Donaldson this weekend to support that new group. John Stemberger created OnMyHonor.net to provide a Christian-based alternative."(Via WZTV)
STEMBERGER: "This will devastate the Boy Scouts. It will devastate it legally, financially and socially." (Via CBS)
STEMBERGER: "I thought that was stunning to me that within a six-month period that things could so radically change. So that's how On My Honor came about." (Via Trail Life USA)
According to its website, the organization aims to produce “Godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens.” It welcomes all boys of any “religion, race, national origin or socio-economic status.”
Trail Life USA says it only grants membership to those who the group says don’t engage in or promote sexual immorality under the biblical definition.
And what's seen by some as outward discrimination could become a legal issue when it comes to gaining tax-exempt status — at least in California. (Via WJLA)
California state Senate Bill 323 is currently working its way through the legislature. It states, "An organization that is a public charity youth organization that discriminates on the basis of gender identity, race, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, or religious affiliation" would not be eligible for tax exemptions. (Via State of California)
As far as what the Boy Scouts have to say about the new organization, Deron Smith, a BSA spokesperson, released a statement saying, “It would be inappropriate for us to discuss other organizations.”
- See more at Newsy.com
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