Ryan Andresen is a kick-ass Boy Scout. He got all da badges! But he’s got one too many badges and his Scoutmaster doesn’t like that Rainbow Hunting badge he’s sporting on his sash. Wait a minute, that’s not a badge, that’s a pin. And Ryan is gay. And Ryan believes his troop leader is denying him the rank of Eagle Scout because of his sexual orientation. And apparently Rainbow Hunting isn’t recognized by the Boy Scouts of America! Or anyone! THE WORLD IS FALLING APART!
Becoming an Eagle Scout is a big deal, especially for a young man that spends the majority of his time on Mother Gaia starting fires with sticks and mastering complicated knot formations. It’s the culmination of a life’s work that ends with the completion of a massive service project. All the requirements must be completed before a scout’s 18th anniversary of his escape from the tyrannical womb. Ryan completed all these tasks. He built an anti-bullying mosaic out of ceramic tiles, and that’s cool. He also informed his Scoutmaster of his sexuality, and now the Scoutmaster of Troop 212 in Moraga, California is refusing Ryan of his much deserved honor. Not cool.
It sucks, but it is far from shocking. The Boy Scouts of America (and CHUCK NORRIS) have been far from secretive when it comes to their stance on homosexuality. There are also strict religious guidelines and the upper-ups of the organization claim Ryan broke those rules too. Here’s a statement they gave to Yahoo News:
“Recently, a Scout proactively notified his unit leadership and Eagle Scout Counselor that he does not agree to Scouting’s principle of “Duty to God” and does not meet Scouting’s membership standard on sexual orientation. While the BSA did not proactively ask for this information, based on his statements and after discussion with his family he is being informed that he is no longer eligible for membership in Scouting.”
Here’s your Sidestepping Badge.
It should be said that not everyone involved in the world of B-Scouting supports this stance. Numerous former Eagle Scouts have forfeited their Eagle status in protest, and one created this Scouts for Equality website. Also, Obama and Romney both support equality in Scouts. Also, George Takei (Click for Glorious Pic).
If you would like to support Ryan, click this here LINK and whisk yourself away to a petition to reverse the decision. Hurry. He has until his 18th birthday, which is Monday.
Question: Where do you stand on this issue? AND Which is the sweetest merit badge?
