I have been an adult leader for the Boy Scouts off and on for several years. I help out when and where I can.

I’ve never checked a box on my adult leader application describing my sexual preference. Why? Because sexuality is not an issue in the scouting program. Preference doesn’t matter: straight, bi, gay or farm animals. Sexuality is not taught in the program.

The Boy Scouts allow anyone to participate in the program regardless of race, color, creed or even gender. That’s right. If your daughter wants to join the Boy Scouts, she can.

But when an adult leader tries to make sexuality an issue, he or she is kicked out.

Why is that so inappropriate? If a Scoutmaster makes racial slurs, sexist comments or slurs about sexual preferences, they are likewise kicked out.

Scouts are taught to respect. Scouts respect their fellow human beings, their environment and themselves. If someone is homosexual, a good scout will respect that. If a homosexual is respectful to the Scouts, he/she will recognize that his/her sexual preference is not an issue and not make it one.

Brent Hayward

Senior

Engineering operations