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1 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Ticket Availability ... SOU childcare center will reopen ... High-level feds tour Ashland Forest Resiliency project area ... Ticket Availability ... SOU childcare center will reopen ... High-level feds tour Ashland Forest Resiliency project area ... LOCAL TAKE Is BSA right to allow gay scout leaders? Comment By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Jul. 29, 2015 at 7:31 PM Updated Jul 29, 2015 at 7:32 PM By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Jul. 29, 2015 at 7:31 PM Updated Jul 29, 2015 at 7:32 PM » Social News The Boy Scouts of America Monday voted to end their prohibition on Scoutmasters (adult males) who are openly gay — a change they made for Scout members last year. BSA also banned atheists and agnostics, but that fell by the wayside at the same time. Back in 1968, they voted to allow women to be Scout leaders.  Boy Scout troops have often been chartered by and intertwined with churches and their beliefs, so the declaration of July 27 bowed to that by stating that the change “allows Scouting’s members and parents to select local units, chartered to organizations with similar beliefs that best meet the needs of their families. “This change would also respect the right of religious chartered organizations to continue to choose adult leaders whose beliefs are consistent with their own.” In short, gay leaders are fine, if that’s what you want and if you don’t want it, that’s fine also. Predictably, both sides of the issue had big issues. The Human Rights Campaign said an exemption for a troop sponsored by a church is discrimination and undermines the sense this is a historic step. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is big on Scouting, said it’s fine with gay Scouts, but not gay Scout Leaders — and the step is inconsistent with church doctrine. In Ashland, Troop 112 is sponsored by the Lions Club. Some time ago, they issued a joint statement supporting diversity, and openness to all, according to Troop112.com. We asked Ashlanders if they felt the BSA choice was a good one. Tamarah Masdon — To allow people to be who they are? Yes, it’s beautiful. It’s the energy of self-acceptance, empowerment, self-love, freedom to be who you are. I’m optimistic the walls of judgment are coming down. Debbo Duclos — I think it is right. They’ve been providing scout leaders as appropriate behavior models since their inception and if you don’t provide the same balance for young men who are of similar mind, it says they (gays) are not OK. By allowing men to become Boy Scout leaders, you are saying we recognize you and you are fine. Jessica Vineyard — Without question. It’s about time. The Boy Scouts whole reason for existence is to raise strong young men with integrity and compassion and to treat all people as people. Olof Soderback — It depends on the individual and what’s in the heart of the individual. You have to know the people you are putting in charge. You shouldn’t ban anyone for being gay, though. You need to get away from sexism and racism. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Jul. 29, 2015 at 7:31 PM Updated Jul 29, 2015 at 7:32 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501