President Obama opposes the Boy Scouts of America’s current ban on gay members and leaders, a spokesperson told the Washington Blade today.
“The President believes the Boy Scouts is a valuable organization that has helped educate and build character in American boys for more than a century,” clarified Shin Inouye of the White House Office of Communications. “He also opposes discrimination in all forms, and as such opposes this policy that discriminates on basis of sexual orientation.”
As is customary for sitting presidents, Obama currently serves as Honorary President of the Boy Scouts.
Earlier this week, a Romney spokesperson reiterated that the GOP candidate stands by his 1994 statement that, “all people should be able to participate in the Boy Scouts regardless of their sexual orientation.”
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Zach Wahls, co-founder of Scouts for Equality, said in a statement: “The fact that the presidential candidates of both major American parties have come together to oppose the BSA’s anti-gay policy in the most polarized political climate since Reconstruction speaks volumes about both the moral validity and critical importance of ending the ban.”
Remember this day, folks—it might be the last time Obama and Romney agree on anything.
Erick
The Scouts is a private organization. If they don’t want gays involved, then that’s it. End of discussion.
I’m disappointed in Romney, though, for siding with the gays on this.
Bugg
@Erick:
Erick, I don’t see anyone questioning the BSA’s right to set their policies; they are expressing disapproval of their policies. Your comment makes no sense.
jeff4justice
If you want your kid to become a part of this child sex ring while you’re busy self-hating go join the Catholic church too.
Whatever happened to the Scouting for All groups?
Also, fuck the 2party system. Obama & Romney could suck each other’s dicks on the White House lawn tomorrow and I still would not vote for these war-mongering, police state loving, civil liberties hating, 1% puppet assholes.
Paul
*Yawn* Obama is trying to pander to LGBT people even though he’s NOT a “fierce advocate” for us and he does not really care about same gender marriage or LGBT equality but he will lie and pretend he does just to get our money and votes. He’s going to be a one term president and he’s a total failure but ALL democrats and republicans are.
unclemike
@Paul: Oh, you’re so above it all, aren’t you?
Paul
Voting for either Obama or Romney is being against LGBT rights and LGBT equality.
UsualPlayers
well at least you didn’t do the strange GOProud thing and say that one shouldn’t vote for Obama because he’s anti gay rights, but one should vote for ROmney instead. That would just be laughable.
I agree both parties suck. But frankly he didn’t have to do this because he already has teh LGBT support he wants.
Cam
Just a few things.
1. Erick…They didn’t side WITH gays, they sided AGAINST bigots like you (And we know you’re a closet case)
2. Paul, You Log Cabin Republicans need to give it up. You came out and ATTACKED Obama when he came out in favor of gay marriage. Your lack of concern for gay issues is clear when a politician coming out in favor of gays infuriates you because it goes against your agenda.
3. Lastly, the Mormon church backs the highest number of scout troops and exerts a huge influence on scouting policy. What a shock that Dan Avery continues his refusal to ever talk about the well organized, well funded anti-gay activities of the Mormon Church.
Danny
@Erick: But the scouts are NOT entirely private. They are very much entangled with all levels of government and military in the US. They get all sorts of preferential treatment, tax exemptions, etc.
When there is absolutely no connection between scouts and government, then they can choose to discriminate against whoever they want, as unfortunate as that might be. But for now, this is yet another area where the supreme court got it wrong.
Daez
@Paul: Are you blind or just stupid? Do you honestly think Obama benefits by going after the gay vote. The gay vote is so segmented (with many morons voting third party in a two party system) that you are talking about MAYBE one percent of the entire vote (considering the fact that probably 50% of gay people do not bother voting to begin with). On the other hand, you have the Christian Right that makes up a good 25% of the vote. Now, why would Obama go against them simply to win an election…unless he actually believes in equality. It simply does not add up.
Let's be honest here
This is just like when Obama was failing in the polls and needed more money and he claimed that he’s for same gender marriage and then voila his poll numbers went up, and people donated a lot of money to his campaign in a few days!
Obama does not believe in equality for LGBT people and it’s obvious.
Daez
I swear, for some of you professional victims nothing could ever be good enough. Obama could overturn DADT, DOMA and legalize marriage and you would still accuse him of pandering to the gays and not really doing enough.
What part of…OBAMA HAS DONE MORE IN THREE YEARS FOR GAY RIGHTS THAN ALL PRESIDENTS EVER IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES COMBINED…do you not get.
Seriously!
Cam
@Let’s be honest here:
LOL!!! You Log Cabin Republicans are pathetic.
So lets see, I’m thirsty, and Obama is offering me water but I have to pay for it.
Mitt Romney is offering me poison but it’s free.
Sorry, I think I’ll take the water.
Log Cabin attacked Obama for coming out in favor of gay marriage. Right at that point you proved you were no longer a group concerned with gay issues or making the GOP friendlier towards gays. You proved that you were now a group concerned only with promoting the GOP and doing whatever it took to cover for their anti-gay activities.
The Artist
After reading these post I can see why education is important. This election is VERY important. It your personal responsibility to listen to the candidates and make a choice, As for the Boy Scouts, think about you would personally feel if you were discriminated against. More importantly, think about children (or young people) who are listening. THINK about what you say, before you speak. PEACELUVNBWILD!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1x-jQTTd1U
The Artist
I’ve gotta watch my typo’s! Peace.
jason
Well, Obama could end the ban with an executive order, but he doesn’t want to. He’s the honorary head of the Boy Scouts.