Rick Dean
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http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-boy20.html
Ex-Boy Scout leaders unveil gay-friendly identification program
May 20, 2004
BY LUCIO GUERRERO Staff Reporter
Former Boy Scout leaders unveiled a plan Wednesday that asks current members to wear a patch on their uniforms identifying themselves as someone a Scout can talk to about their sexual orientation without fear of being thrown out of the group.
Called the ''Inclusive Scouting Award,'' the patch has two ropes -- one in gay-friendly rainbow colors -- intertwined. It was unveiled at a pre
s conference here, near the Boy Scouts of America's national convention.
''There are hundreds of thousands of boys who are Boy Scouts who are realizing that the Boy Scouts' anti-g
ay
olicy applies to them and they don't know who they can talk to about it," said Mark Noel, dir
ector of the Coalition of Inclusive Scouting. "We need to do something to make sure the scouting environment is more hospitable and more accepting to these kids."
Under the plan, Scouts who display the badge will be seen as an ally to kids who may be questioning their sexuality. The Scouts who have the badge promise not to reveal the information to leaders who may move to expel the Scout.
Ex-Boy Scout leaders unveil gay-friendly identification program
May 20, 2004
BY LUCIO GUERRERO Staff Reporter
Former Boy Scout leaders unveiled a plan Wednesday that asks current members to wear a patch on their uniforms identifying themselves as someone a Scout can talk to about their sexual orientation without fear of being thrown out of the group.
Called the ''Inclusive Scouting Award,'' the patch has two ropes -- one in gay-friendly rainbow colors -- intertwined. It was unveiled at a pre
s conference here, near the Boy Scouts of America's national convention.
''There are hundreds of thousands of boys who are Boy Scouts who are realizing that the Boy Scouts' anti-g
ay
olicy applies to them and they don't know who they can talk to about it," said Mark Noel, dir
ector of the Coalition of Inclusive Scouting. "We need to do something to make sure the scouting environment is more hospitable and more accepting to these kids."
Under the plan, Scouts who display the badge will be seen as an ally to kids who may be questioning their sexuality. The Scouts who have the badge promise not to reveal the information to leaders who may move to expel the Scout.