General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Shame on the Boy Scouts of America and their leaders to boo Hillary Clinton, how indecent. [View all]stopbush
(24,783 posts)Clause 1. The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God. In the first part of the Scout Oath the member declares, On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law. The recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgment of His favors and blessings are necessary to the best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the educa- tion of the growing members. No matter what the religious faith of the members may be, this fundamental need of good citizenship should be kept before them. The Boy Scouts of America, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and the organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life.
Clause 4. Only persons willing to subscribe to these declarations of principles shall be entitled to certificates of leadership in carrying out the Scouting program.
Source: Charter and Bylaws of the BSA, Article X: Policies, Dec 2015
BTW - the BSA went to court in 2000 to defend their right to discriminate against atheists, gays and whoever else they may wish to discriminate against. The court found that as a private organization, the BSA could discriminate against anyone they pleased. They have continued to discriminate.
End of story.