The letter I wrote to return my Eagle medal, and to protest my disapproval over their ban on gay & lesbian members.  eaglebadges: August 10, 2012 Boy Scouts of America 1325 Walnut Hill Lane P.O. Box 152079 Irving, Texas 75015-2079 To Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive and the BSA National Executive Board, I am returning the enclosed Eagle Scout medal to demonstrate my opposition to your position on homosexuality. While I am straight, the other two Eagle Scouts that I graduated high school with are gay.  Your opposition to homosexuality is incredibly disrespectful to those former scouts, both of whom are great people. I recognize the B.S.A. committee that reaffirmed this decision may feel beholden to special interest groups, but I feel these special interest groups are negatively influencing your policy with antiquated moral codes, fears, judgments and misunderstandings.  I think it is in the true spirit of your organization to do the right thing regardless of any fallout that may ensue.  I think this is what you teach your kids.  Sadly, this is not what your current leaders seem to practice.  Turning my badge in, and renouncing my affiliation with The Boy Scouts of America is something that I do with mixed emotions.  Boy Scouts played a prominent role for me in junior high and high school and I have many great memories associated with scouting activities.  However, I cannot be associated with a group that actively and openly discriminates against my friends, neighbors and fellow citizens.  I feel your position is a slap in the face to the American ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Take note of the repeal of “Don’t ask, don’t tell.”   I hope you reconsider your position.  Regards,  Michael Phillips Former-Eagle Scout Troop #1479 Port Townsend, WA

The letter I wrote to return my Eagle medal, and to protest my disapproval over their ban on gay & lesbian members. 

eaglebadges:

August 10, 2012

Boy Scouts of America

1325 Walnut Hill Lane

P.O. Box 152079

Irving, Texas 75015-2079

To Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive and the BSA National Executive Board,

I am returning the enclosed Eagle Scout medal to demonstrate my opposition to your position on homosexuality.

While I am straight, the other two Eagle Scouts that I graduated high school with are gay.  Your opposition to homosexuality is incredibly disrespectful to those former scouts, both of whom are great people.

I recognize the B.S.A. committee that reaffirmed this decision may feel beholden to special interest groups, but I feel these special interest groups are negatively influencing your policy with antiquated moral codes, fears, judgments and misunderstandings.  I think it is in the true spirit of your organization to do the right thing regardless of any fallout that may ensue.  I think this is what you teach your kids.  Sadly, this is not what your current leaders seem to practice. 

Turning my badge in, and renouncing my affiliation with The Boy Scouts of America is something that I do with mixed emotions.  Boy Scouts played a prominent role for me in junior high and high school and I have many great memories associated with scouting activities. 

However, I cannot be associated with a group that actively and openly discriminates against my friends, neighbors and fellow citizens.  I feel your position is a slap in the face to the American ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 

Take note of the repeal of “Don’t ask, don’t tell.”  

I hope you reconsider your position. 

Regards, 

Michael Phillips

Former-Eagle Scout

Troop #1479

Port Townsend, WA

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    gold metal winner...game of life. (Yeah I went there!)
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    Former #EagleScouts...badge-returning campaign...gay rights....
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    disapproval over their ban on gay & lesbian members.
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