Texas Gov. Rick Perry is big on the Boy Scouts. He even penned On My Honor: Why the American Values of the Boy Scouts Are Worth Fighting For in 2010. But in an address to the Texas Scouts’ 64th annual Report to State, he cautioned the group not to lift its ban on openly gay scouts and leaders.
At the gathering, Perry told Scouts how the BSA can keep young men on the straight and narrow, away from teen pregnancy and “men joining their fathers in prison.” Afterward, he told reporters he hoped the Scouts would keep bigotry enshrined:
I think most people see absolutely no reason to change the position and neither do I,” Perry said. He said his views on the subject haven’t changed since writing his book, in which he noted that profits would be donated to the Boy Scouts of America Legal Defense since “they continue to be under attack from the forces of secularism.”Asked if he would feel different about the Scouts if the policy is changed, Perry wouldn’t say. But he added: “to have popular culture impact 100 years of their standards is inappropriate.”
Interesting point, Governor. So we can assume you’d prefer the Scouts restore their historical policy of racial segregation?
2eo
Is this the same Rick Perry who funnels money to white supremacist groups in Texas?
It looks him, talks like him and has that exact position. Just saying is all.
Cam
Gee what a shock, bigotry coming out of the South.
As for what we have learned….The Boy Scouts spent years defending bigotry all the way up to the Supreme Court. HOWEVER, just a few months of targeting the companies that fund the Boy Scouts and suddenly they are falling over themselves to reconsider the policy.
These people claim it’s all about morality and religion, but if they were true believers they wouldn’t collapse so quickly. These are just weak, hypocritical bigots. As soon as it effected their bottom line they are changing.
Aidan8
Rick Perry…. the face of the modern Republican Party.
Out Military
What a dinosaur. Started by an Eagle Scout, http://OutScouts.com is providing a supportive environment for LGBT scouts, leaders and their supporters.
Joetx
I thought Rick Perry’s embarrassing performance during the Republican primary debates would cause him to crawl back in his hole, but obviously not.
He’s a Texas A&M Aggie. They’re like the blond jokes of TX.
austtex
As far as the Boy Scounts changing their tune, I believe it is in appearance only, as they are going to allow the individual troops, regions, or whatever they are called to decide for themselves. Then when individual groups, troops, etc., decide not to allow gay scouts, that is that, end of story. Just a way to deflect criticism from the overall organization. As far as Rick Perry, as a Texan he has never spoken for me or I believe the vast majority of Texans.
FStratford
@austtex:
Unfortunately he does speak for the MAJORITY of Texans – he was voted by the majority of Texans, who are Typical Texas Trash. Outside of Austin/Travis county and a few neighborhoods in big cities, Texas is ruled by bigots.
Rock Star
Which cabinet departments were you going to close on day one? Uh…. hey stupid no one cares what you think about anything. America thinks you’re a disgusting person. As for Texas, well it’s Texas, what do you expect from voters that are undereducated and still living in the past, darkly.
smartguyd
@Joetx: Go F*** yourself. As a gay Aggie I can tell you that we are no joke and I have never found a more loving and supportive queer community as the on eat Texas A&M. Rick Perry is a joke and I am sick and tired of all the GOPers voting him back in as governor because they know his name and he has a little R next to him on the ballot.
erasure25
@FStratford: That majority will be changing. As early as 2016 or 2020, Texas is projected to be a battleground state.
Humanedge
Isnt this the same fuckwit that asked people to pray for rain and then watched the state catch fire?
austinbookie
didnt Perry’s wife catch him in bed with a 15yo boy back in 2004………..