BRIDGEPORT, Ohio – A member of the board of directors of the Ohio River Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has resigned following the BSA’s decision to oust Jennifer Tyrrell, a Bridgeport mom, as her son’s scout leader because she is a lesbian.
David J. Sims resigned from the board April 27 in a letter that cites his long history and support of scouting. He wrote, “Ms. Tyrrell’s removal goes against my fundamental beliefs of how we should treat our fellow human beings and is, in my opinion, wholly discriminatory. I understand that the Boys Scouts of America is free to run its organization as it sees fit, however, I cannot formally be a part of it based upon this policy.”
Citing his and his family’s extensive ties with scouting Sims believes that his father would have supported his decision. He continued, “My grandfather was an Eagle Scout, my father was an Eagle Scout and I am an Eagle Scout. Other than his family and his Christian faith, the most important thing in my father’s life was the Boy Scouts. They lived and breathed scouting. That is what makes this decision so exceedingly difficult and emotional. However, I know that my father would support my decision.”
Sims concludes his letter with the hope that BSA “… will look into their hearts and find the wisdom and courage to re-examine the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.”
Moved by the support she has received Jennifer Tyrrell said, “I’ve been touched by the long list of supporters who, like me, believe that discrimination should not be a part of the Boy Scouts of America’s policies. The Scouts are losing board members, good volunteers and scouting families, and the time is now to join organizations like the Girl Scouts of America and the 4H Club in welcoming all.”
GLAAD president, Herndon Graddick said, “The only ‘character development’ and ‘values-based leadership training’ the Boy Scouts have taught our young people in this case is that blatant discrimination is OK. Tossing aside the hard work and leadership of a committed mom because of who she loves is not a ‘value’ that a majority Americans want taught to their children.”
