There seems to be a general misconception that homosexuals want to be open about their sexuality within the Boy Scout program in order to teach homosexuality.

Like Brent Hayward, I am an Eagle Scout, and feel the Scouting program is an excellent program for America’s youth.

One of the most important values Scouting taught me is honesty. With Brent’s suggested “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, I cannot be honest.

If I have to hide every aspect of my life, I cannot be honest. Being openly homosexual means that I am able to hold my boyfriend’s hand in public without fear of being seen by a Scout executive and receiving a letter from the national office informing me that I am no longer welcome as a Scout leader.

It does not mean that I want to go to Scout meeting and discuss my sexuality.

I agree with Brent that sexuality is not to be discussed in Scouting. Scouting policy specifically informs leaders that it is not their place to discuss issues such as sexuality with Scouts. Leaders are told to direct Scouts to look to their parents and churches with questions about those topics.

Even though Scouting does not support me, I support Scouting, and I agree that discussions of sexuality are not appropriate in Scouting.

However I do not feel that hiding my sexuality is appropriate either.

Jeremy P. Hayes

Junior

Management information systems