That's actually a really interesting question. Okay, so I only know one Eagle Scout, and that's Dan, so we're using him for an example. Dan paid his dues, lead a life exemplary of the Scouts and their beliefs, worked hard, earned himself those badges, helped old ladies cross the street, and made Eagle. That's a pretty big deal. That's pretty much a stamp saying you exemplify what the Scouts are all about. Now what if Dan decided, after all this, that he was gay? What would happen? Would anything even happen? I mean, do the Scouts have someone who comes and checks up on you after you make Eagle to make sure you haven't turned to the dark side? Or what if they just found out by dumb chance? Would he then have to relinquish all his badges and whatnot, and be stripped of his Eagle status? Or would they never even know and would nothing happen other than Dan would start having sex with boys? Does Dan know? Do any of our former Scouts have these answers? If so, for the love of god tell me so I can start getting some goddamned sleep at night!
And as far as allowing gays, I personally feel the Boy Scouts in general is a fucked up little club with lots of rules that are grossly biased and far too right-wing for my delicate socially-leftist pallete. However, I guess it is their constitutional right to teach little boys to hate the gays and non-christians, so I suppose I can't mess with that. Plus, those soap-box derbies are cool.
First of all, nothing would happen. There's no commissioner who goes around to each and every Eagle Scout and checks up on you and asks you what bars you go to. If I became gay, I wouldn't have it revoked. This is a result of me being what they thought a scout should be at the time I made Eagle. No matter what happens to me or what I do, I will always be an Eagle Scout. It's up to me to bring honor to that title and be a good person for the rest of my life.
As far as gays not allowed in the Scouts, I think it's a backlash from troops in areas (central PA for example) who have no gay community and disrespect gay people in their every day lives - OUTSIDE OF THE BOY SCOUTS. Take the Cradle of Liberty Council in Philadelphia: to think that scouts in this part of the country are all gay bashers - people who live in a metropolitan area that interfaces with a large gay community and embraces media that star gay celebrities - is ludicrous.
For the record, I feel that sexual identity should play no role in evaluating a scout and gay scouts and adult leaders ought to be able to participate if they want to. On numerous occasions I’ve spent seven days with 300 other teenage boys in the middle of fucking nowhere, and I can tell you that I saw some borderline gay shit right there.
In my troop and Cub Scout pack, I never, ever felt that a greater force's ideals were being unfairly impressed on me. And when certain philosophies were applied to my little brain, they were things that every human being should try to incorporate into their lives (see: Scout Law). The exception is of course "reverent," which promotes commitment to one's faith. Some Scouts may not practice a religion.
In public school's you pledge allegiance to one Christian God. You're required by law to attend. How's that for a fucked up club?
Scout Law
TRUSTWORTHY
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
LOYAL
A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
HELPFUL
A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
FRIENDLY
A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
COURTEOUS
A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
KIND
A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
OBEDIENT
A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
CHEERFUL
A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
THRIFTY
A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
BRAVE
A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
CLEAN
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
REVERENT
A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
Also, pine wood dreby rocked hardcore and I still have my cars which were all #25. Fuck yeah.
