Or at least in my case. :)

As I understand it the Scouts were always quasi-religious. While I can’t speak to the development the last 50 years, Powell was rather explicit in his writings on the subject.

“….We aim for the practice of Christianity in their everyday life and dealings, and not mearly the profession of theology on Sundays…. The co-operation of tiny sea insects has brought about the formation of coral islands. No enterprise is too big where there is goodwill and co-operation carrying it out. Every day we are turning away boys anxious to join the Movement, because we have no men or women to take them in hand. There is a vast reserve of loyal patriotism and Christian spirit lying dormant in our nation today, mainly because it sees no direct opportunity for expressing itself. Here in this joyous brotherhood there is a vast opportunity open to all in a happy work that shows the results under your hands and a work that is worth while because it gives every man his chance of service for his fellow-men and for God.” – (Scouting For Boys, 1908)

“To be a person of strong character, guide your life with honesty, purity, and justice. Respect and defend the rights of all people. Your relationships with others should be honest and open. Be clean in your speech and actions, and faithful in your religious beliefs. The values you follow as a Scout will help you become virtuous and self-reliant.”

If he would have looked up “clean” he would see:

“A Scout is CLEAN. A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

“You never need to be ashamed of dirt that will wash off. If you play hard and work hard you can’t help getting dirty. But when the game is over or the work is done, that kind of dirt disappears with soap and water.

“There’s another kind of dirt that won’t come off by washing. It is the kind that shows up in foul language and harmful thoughts.

“Swear words, profanity, and dirty stories are weapons that ridicule other people and hurt their feelings. The same is true of racial slurs and jokes making fun of ethnic groups or people with physical or mental limitations. A Scout knows there is no kindness or honor in such mean-spirited behavior. He avoids it in his own words and deeds. He defends those who are targets of insults.”

Now I think that the Court was right in Dale, and that the Boy Scouts are not properly a “public accommodation.” But I agree with Kaimi that the Scouts’ brief overplayed the Scout oath and law.

Andy – It isn’t always the mother who earns the Eagle Scout. Sometimes it’s the local church leaders who aren’t about to let their troop’s reputation for turning out Eagles in droves fall by the wayside. :>

Clark – This isn’t technically relevant to your point, but I remember reading a salacious article a few years ago about Lord Baden Powell and his alleged homosexual tendencies toward boys, as evidenced by his voluminous personal diary entries on the subject. Does anyone know anything about this? Or have I just become the dupe of a certain strain of gay propaganda?

Aaron B

You still have your Scout Handbook handy? Wow, “Be Prepared”!!

I would point out that as a scout in Canada, instead of Eagle Scout you would earn the Chief Scout’s Award, and the recipient was alternatively known as a Queen’s Scout. Let the innuendo begin! Needless to say that Dale would have turned out differently in Canada. As if anyone cares about the Gay Canuck Scouts.

Also, as an aside, who is this other Steve that’s been posting on T&S? My style is gettin’ cramped.