John Stemberger, an Orlando-based litigator come Christian activist, is launching what he hopes will be an alternative scouting organization for young men that explicitly bars gay, bisexual and gender non-conforming youth from participating. The organization, the name of which has yet to be announced, has a Web site,
.net, devoted to the promotion and recruitment of individuals prior to their convention in Nashville, Tenn. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 6 and 7.
Interim executive director Tim Green, a former Boy Scout executive, said, “Our vision is to be the premier national character development organization for young men which produces Godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens. The new program will be an exciting and motivating outdoor-based program focused on leadership and character development for boys, and founded on principles and values that reflect a Christian worldview.”
The idea was born from the dissatisfaction some families felt when the Boy Scout of America voted in May to allow local chapters to decide individually if they would or would not allow openly gay Scouts. And while the executive offices agreed to allow them to serve, once a member turned 18, it was decided, they would no longer be able to participate. The rule was aimed at addressing a number of sex abuse scandals that involved adults with minors. In a statement on their Web site, Stemberger speaks directly about the conflict inherent with openly gay Scouts. “Opening the Boy Scouts to boys who openly proclaim being sexually attracted to other boys and/or openly identify themselves as “gay” will inevitably create an increase of boy-on-boy sexual contact which will result in further public scandal to the BSA, not to mention the tragedy of countless boys who will experience sexual, physical and psychological abuse.”
Currently there is no available information on how many families have expressed interest in a Christian-centric Scouting experience for their children.
Jared, again I can’t reply for some reason (I guess once it reaches the 4th level of replies, my browser says ‘no way’).
I do consider all of the ideas you’ve introduced for your post. They’re very convincing and will certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are too short for newbies. May you please extend them a bit from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.