What should a Scout or leader do if a youth member lets them know that he or she is attracted to members of the same sex?
It is an individual's choice how public they wish to be about their sexual orientation. As always, Scouting teaches respect and courtesy for all people. It is the Scout leader's responsibility to address the issue with concern and sensitivity, while ensuring the member understands the boundaries. The leader should emphasize that there is no place in Scouting for any sexual conduct by youth of Scouting age.
What should a Scout or Scout leader do if a youth with same-sex attraction asks whether they can join Scouting?
Invite them to join and explain the joining requirements. No youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of same-sex attraction alone.
Youth Privacy and Accommodations
The BSA has stringent policies that protect the safety and privacy of youth and adult members. Scouting has always worked to ensure that it is a supportive and safe environment for all young people, both physically and emotionally. The following points are important as we move forward:
This change in membership standards is not a youth protection issue. To consider it a youth protection issue would lead one to believe that sexual abuse and victimization is considered inherent to same-sex attraction. This is not the case.
The change in policy concerns healthy child and adolescent development and should be addressed as such. As always, our leaders are key to ensuring that the BSA always acts in the best interest of our youth members.
No youth should be singled out as a result of this change. If that were to happen, it would likely set up those youth to be bullied or ostracized.
The opinions expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the opinions of their unit, the local council, or the national headquarters.
