Wednesday, March 19, 2003

In Mark Pulliam's article, "Gay rights agenda: Blacklisting the Boy Scouts," he seems to be missing an important rule of life, the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Mr. Pulliam seems surprised that the attack would come from such an unlikely source as three large bar associations in California. Since these legal groups are comprised of a majority of straight lawyers, he is baffled as to why they would bring this legal action against the Boy Scouts on behalf of gay folks.

He kept referring to the Supreme Court decision in Boy Scouts of America v. Dale in which the court recognized the Boy Scouts' right to openly discriminate against gays because they are a private organization. Neither Mr. Pulliam nor the Boy Scouts seem to understand the difference between having a "legal" right and being "right."

He should be asking himself why these bar associations are going to so much effort on behalf of homosexuals when they have no apparent "dog in this fight." Perhaps it must be that their "dog" just happens to be justice for all people. He should also be asking himself why so many respected organizations and corporations have withdrawn their long-standing support for this otherwise venerable organization.

Until their current stance toward gays, the Boy Scouts had an untarnished record and the unwavering admiration of everyone. They seemed to stand for wholesomeness and values that measured every person by their character. However, they now claim that a person's character is diminished because they might not have the right sexual orientation.

Ethical standards are the same for all persons regardless of their sexual orientation. Fortunately, many in society have transcended to that basic understanding but it has thus far eluded the Boy Scouts of America.

Jeff Ellis

www.familyacceptance.com