ACLU vs BSA

Karen De Coster points to an article in Worldmag.com entitled “Breaking camp LAW: The ACLU gains ground in evicting the Boy Scouts from a San Diego park." The article informs us of an ACLU suit to evict the Boy Scouts from Balboa Park in San Diego, because, well because the Boy Scouts happen to prefer their members to believe in God and to refrain from homosexuality.  But the suit was not filed by the ACLU simply because the Boy Scouts happen to have a code.  The suit was filed because, according to the ACLU, allowing the Boy Scouts to rent space at Balboa Park violates separation of church and state.  A spurious argument at best.

As I considered this on the back porch this morning with a small cigar and a cup of coffee, I thought it would be worthwhile to apply the ACLU’s reasoning to myself.  As an individual, I am a man of faith.  Now, as irrational as that may be construed, I fail to find this personal faith a threat to the gay community, or any community, at large.  But, in keeping with the ACLU’s line of thought, maybe I should be denied access to state and national parks because of this faith.  The parks charge rental fees, just like Balboa Park charges the BSA rental fees, thus, since I proclaim my own faith, I should probably be denied access to these publicly owned venues.

As to the Boy Scouts’ desire that their members be “morally straight,” meaning, of course, that they refrain from homosexuality, how does this come into play with myself as an individual?  I could care less what homosexuals do between themselves as individuals.  It’s none of my business.  But as an individual, I know that I prefer, as an individual, to be “morally straight.” I even find visiting the proctologist an unwelcome experience.  Does this fact then translate into some kind of discrimination against the gay community?  I think not.  Does my individual thinking about this “morally straight” issue also preclude me from utilization of public venues that charge rental fees, as the ACLU argues in their suit against the BSA?  I think not.

Leave the fricking Boy Scouts alone ACLU.  If they want to have a code for their members, so what.  If they want to utilize Balboa Park, so what.  I don’t see the Boy Scouts marching on the gay community with placards proclaiming their indignation at your choice.  The situation is typically the reverse.  The gay community is marching with placards proclaiming their “lifestyle” choice.  Who is in whose face here, uttering loud proclaimations, while utilizing the public spaces?

Posted by on 01/18 at 07:12 AM

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