Den Leader of 2 Dens and Parent in Pack 515, Watsonville, California Resigns

January 29, 2001

Dear Boys Scouts of America-

I'm writing to tell you that I have resigned as den leader for two dens in Pack 515 in Watsonville, California. Although both of my children have been active in scouting since they were old enough to participate, I have withdrawn both of them from your scouting program.

I had always thought of BSA as a family-oriented and healthy place for my children to learn about life. Certainly all of the references in official scouting documents point to family values of tolerance, diversity and respect for all people. These are the kinds of concepts for which I feel full support. I was personally horrified when BSA chose to dismiss an Eagle Scout from a leadership position based on his sexual orientation. And although I consider this to be a gross human rights violation, I chose to stay with scouting in the hope that over time "the powers that be" would recognize this as a hateful and divisive act. I had hoped that the good in scouting would win out and that this terrible mistake would be rectified. Sadly, however, it has become clear to me that scouting is becoming more closed-minded and hateful. Instead of correcting your error, you are compounding it by continuing your campaign of hate and intolerance. I cannot allow my children to learn these hateful attitudes and I do not want them to witness the hypocrisy of teaching family values while practicing hate.

As a life-long mental health professional, I can also tell you that your statements which suggest homosexuals are more likely to prey on young boys is sadly mistaken. If you read the literature, you will see that most pedophiles are straight men (and mostly married with families, at that). Your idea that homosexuals cannot be healthy role models for children is also absurd. Some of the finest people I know are gay and I would be thrilled to have them teach my children about life. Quite simply, your message is one of hatred. We are all created in the image of God: straight, gay, white, black or green. To deny this is to deny life itself. I can no longer support you as I have for all these years.

I hope that you will hear my comments as they are intended. You are an organization with a long and noble history. You are losing your future by not only tolerating, but also preaching hatred. We all deserve better than this. I hope that you will reconsider your reprehensible policy regarding gays in scouting. If you do, my family and I would happily reconsider our position. Until then, however, my family and many like us will support other, healthier and more loving organizations.

Sincerely,

Tami Saltz