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Eagle Scout Returns His Badge To Protest Boy Scouts' Gay Ban |
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Written by Instinct Staff |
Friday, 20 July 2012
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| Tags: martin cizmar, eagle scout, returns, badge, letter, boy scouts of america, bsa, gay ban, homophobia |
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Martin Cizmar, a straight former Eagle Scout, can no longer live with one of his prized positions because it's tainted with the homophobia of the Boy Scouts of America. So, in a symbolic move with large emotional repercussions, Martin returned his Eagle Scout badge to the BSA along with a potent letter urging the organization to evolve. Details follow.
"I am not gay," Martin writes. "However, I cannot in good conscious hold this badge as long as the BSA continues a policy of bigotry. Though I didn’t know at the time, I was acquainted with a number of gay scouts and scouters. They were all great men, loyal to the scout oath and motto and helpful to the movement. There is no fair reason they should not be allowed to participate in scouting. I suspect you know this, too. As an adult, I also understand that such policy changes are fraught with complications, possibly including the defection of members affiliated with certain religious groups with dire financial implications. It’s a tough position, but a scout is brave."
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"I don't want to be an Eagle Scout if a young man who is gay can't be one, too."
Since posting the image of the letter and the badge on social networks, Martin's Facebook and Twitter feeds have erupted in cheers of support and thanks from gay and straight supporters alike.
(H/t: Towleroad)
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