Eagle Scouts Return Medals Over Boy Scouts' Bigotry

Here's a stance that truly demonstrates the metal of Eagle scouts. An uprising has begun where dozens of such former Boy Scouts are returning their badges of honor to protest the BSA's recent homophobic stance of not allowing openly gay people to serve as troop leaders or members.

Boing Boing writer Maggie Koerth-Baker posted a story about how her husband, Christopher Baker, a former Eagle Scout, returned his medal to the Boy Scouts of America. The post, which included Baker's letter to the BSA, drew such a robust reaction that other Eagles are voluntarily clipping their wings.

Baker wrote: "I am returning my Eagle Scout medal because I do not want to be associated with the bigotry for which it now stands. I hope that one day BSA stands up for all boys. It saddens me that until that day comes any sons of mine will not participate in the Boy Scouts."

Baker is not gay, nor are any of the other men who have submitted resignation letters to be posted on Boing Boing. Koerth-Baker said she is receiving a tirade of letters from men who have resigned from the Eagle Scouts.

Boy Scouts of America spokesman Deron Smith responded: "While a majority of our membership agrees with our policy, no single policy will accommodate the many diverse views among our membership or society. Although we are disappointed to learn of anyone who feels compelled to return his Eagle rank, we fully understand and appreciate that not everyone will agree with any one position or policy."

I'm assuming the Boy Scouts also, at one point, had a policy against little colored boys being members, as well. And handicapped kids. Grow up, BSA. It's 2012, not 1912. *