Matt Pyeatt, CNSNews.com
Thursday, June 13, 2002

Boston Minuteman Council introduced a new merit badge for "diversity" and asked an openly homosexual Boston radio personality to be master of ceremonies of its annual fundraiser. Last year, the same chapter adopted a "nondiscrimination" policy, a slap at the long-held practice by the national organization, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), to ban homosexual scout leaders.

The U.S. Supreme Court two years ago declared the BSA ban on homosexuals to be legal. However, the scouts have been under constant attack for their policy ever since.

'Diversity' Again

During Monday's fundraiser, Boston Minuteman Council announced the creation of a "diversity awareness award badge," and invited openly homosexual WBZ radio personality David Brudnoy to serve as master of ceremonies.

Brudnoy said there were many heterosexuals who could have performed the ceremony, but this was a way for the Boy Scouts to strengthen their nondiscrimination policy.

"There are a lot of straight guys out there who could do this," Brudnoy said, according to the Associated Press. "[The council] said, 'We want to signal, through you, our nondiscrimination policy.'"

In developing its "nondiscrimination" policy, Boston Minuteman Council stated its pride over the "diversity of our members."

"Through the Scout Oath and Law, we pledge to respect all people and to defend the rights of others. Bias, intolerance and unlawful [sic] discrimination are unacceptable within the ranks of the Boston Minuteman Council," the policy states.

It also declares that the council will serve its members "without regard to color, race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or economic status."

Gregg Shields, spokesman for BSA, told CNSNews.com the Boston Boy Scouts have not violated any national policies. However, he said the chapter's recent actions "are confusing to the public."

Shields said the national policy prohibiting homosexuals "remains the same, that an avowed homosexual, atheist or agnostic is not an appropriate role model for the Scout Oath and Law," Shields said.

"We expect the Minuteman Council to reaffirm their commitment to these policies," Shields said, adding that national scout leaders were planning to speak with members of the Boston chapter about their recent actions.

'We Need to Talk to These People'

"We need to have a discussion with them," Shields said. "We're not going to react to media reports; we need to talk to these people about what happened."

Brock Bigsby, an executive with Boston Minuteman Council, did not return phone calls seeking comment for this story.

Bigsby did, however, tell the Associated Press that the national organization was powerless in stopping the new diversity badge from being awarded.

"Local councils do have the flexibility to establish awards like this to meet the needs of our kids. That's where our focus is," Bigsby told the AP. "Scouting traditionally has been a very diverse activity."

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