BOY SCOUT BOARD MEMBER RESIGNS OVER ANTI-GAY POLICY

An Ohio board member of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has resigned over the recent removal of a lesbian woman from a leadership position in her son’s pack, saying that it’s “wholly discriminatory”.

Last month, Jennifer Tyrrell from Ohio was barred from continuing as a Tiger Cub den leader of Pack 109 after nearly a year of service, because of her sexuality.

The BSA’s official policy since 1991 does not allow gays or lesbians as members or leaders in the organisation.

In response to news of Tyrrell’s removal, David J. Sims, a member of the Board of Directors of the Ohio River Valley Council of the BSA, resigned on Friday.

“I understand that this action was taken as a result of a standing policy of the Boy Scouts of America and that said action is legal. However, Ms. Tyrrell’s removal goes against my fundamental beliefs of how we should treat our fellow human beings and is, in my opinion, wholly discriminatory,” Sims stated in his resignation letter.

“I understand that the Boys Scouts of America is free to run its organisation as it sees fit, however, I cannot formally be a part of it based upon this policy,” he said.

Adding that his grandfather and father were, like him, also scouts, Sims concluded with: “I hope that the powers that be will look into their hearts and find the wisdom and courage to re-examine the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.”

Over 260,000 people have signed a petition to have Tyrrell reinstated. American courts have repeatedly affirmed the BSA’s right as a private organisation to place restrictions on its membership.