Boy Scouts of America Does Not, Will Not, Ask Scouts About Their Sexuality

By Napp Nazworth, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Boy Scouts of America does not currently ask scouts about their sexuality, and that will not change if there is a modification to their policy of not allowing gay scouts, Deron Smith, director of public relations for BSA, told The Christian Post.

BSA will announce on Thursday whether it will adopt a new resolution allowing gays to become scouts. The Christian Post asked Smith if BSA will ask members, both homosexual and heterosexual, if they are sexually active.

Smith, responding via email, answered, "we do not ask now and will not if the resolution passes."

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Smith also pointed out that the new resolution will state that any sexual conduct, homosexual or heterosexual, is not consistent with the moral teachings upheld by BSA. The resolution will also recognize that scouts, like all adolescents, will be working through a process of understanding morality and their duties to God.

According to Smith, the resolution states:

• "Youth are still developing, learning about themselves and who they are, developing their sense of right and wrong, and understanding their duty to God to live a moral life.
• "Any sexual conduct, whether homosexual or heterosexual, by youth of Scouting age is contrary to the virtues of Scouting.
• "The organization will maintain its current membership policy for all adult leaders.
• "No member may use Scouting to promote or advance any social or political position or agenda.
• "Members must demonstrate behavior that exemplifies the highest level of good conduct and respect for others and is consistent at all times with the values expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

There is a difference, Smith added, between adult leaders or volunteers and adolescent scouts who are struggling to understand what is right and wrong with regard to their own sexuality.

"By reinforcing that scouting is a youth program, and any sexual conduct, whether heterosexual or homosexual, by youth of scouting age is contrary to the virtues of scouting, and that no member may use scouting to promote or advance any social or political position or agenda, this resolution rightly recognizes there is a difference between kids and adults while remaining true to the long-standing virtues of scouting," he wrote.