Scouting is about kids, not political agendas.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact:

Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

By: Senator John Albers (R- Roswell)


I have been a scout all of my life starting at age 6, from Cub Scouts, Webelos, Boy Scouts to Scout leader. My older son is an Eagle Scout and my younger son is on the eagle trail. I believe in the Boy Scouts and have supported them with my time, talents and money. For over 100 years, the Boy Scouts have represented so much that is good in this world. If you are not a scout, take time to read the scout law, oath, motto and what it takes to become an Eagle Scout to learn a true appreciation. Many of our greatest leaders in business, government and society were scouts. Scouting includes boys aged 6 – 17, specifically Boy Scouts ages 10-17.

Recent events concerning the allowing of openly homosexual boys and leaders became a topic of great controversy. Let me be clear, boy scouting should be about the kids and teaching them invaluable life skills. Shame on both sides for forgetting this is about the kids and not you.

As mentioned earlier, Boy Scouts are about the boys – yes, they are kids. However, adults with a political agenda have decided to make their cause something it should never be. Anyone who needs to outwardly profess their sexuality, no matter their preference, has no business in the Boy Scouts. Being a scout is a safe environment for kids to learn, lead, and perhaps even sometimes learn to fail. I will never fully comprehend why outside organizations have targeted the Boy Scouts. But, it is very sad they are pushing their agenda onto the kids.

The Boy Scouts of America recently changed its policy allowing homosexual scouts, but not leaders. Here is a wakeup call to the national council of the Boy Scouts of America; the boys starting at age 10 didn’t join scouts for this foolishness. There are not merit badges for sexuality and political correctness. This topic has now been legitimized and made into something it never should be - a topic for these kids to discuss. You have also put churches and other institutions in a position to choose between their doctrine and your political agenda. Sadly, I fear Scouting will lose thousands of Scouts and troops now. We should not cave to political pressure and make people’s sex lives the main topic of conversation. This is not what scouting is about.

I would like to call a “time out” and have rational minds resolve this issue. All of this can be resolved with one simple rule, “Anyone who needs to discuss their sex lives in front of Boy Scouts aged 10-17 is not allowed”. I don’t want to know about anyone’s sex lives period and neither do my boys. If you cannot control yourself, you have no business in this organization as a member or a leader. Scouting should solely be about boys who want to camp and learn invaluable life skills.

As an elected official, I often see the situation where adults mess it up for the kids. It is time to stop. Shame on both sides for forgetting this is about the kids and not themselves

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Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the State Institutions and Property Committee. He represents the 56th Senate District which includes portions of North Fulton and Cherokee counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.