Let it be known that in the continuing courtship of Republican presidential hopefuls Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt ("Lighten Up") Romney, no issue is being ignored. In this latest blast from the Brownback camp, Romney is accused of being less than adoring towards that curcial non-voting block of the Boy Scouts.
Romney Hostile to Boy Scout Leadership and Principles
Supports gay scout leaders, was cold to Scout participation in Olympics
ALEXANDRIA, VA – In his 1994 Senate race in Massachusetts and later as CEO of the Salt Lake City Olympic Committee, Mitt Romney opposed Boy Scout officials who wished to prevent gay men from becoming troop leaders and was hostile to Scout participation in the 2002 Olympics.
In a 1994 debate with Ted Kennedy, Mitt Romney offered his support for gay scout leaders:
"I feel that all people should be allowed to participate in the Boy Scouts regardless of their sexual orientation."
The comments from Romney, who holds a law degree, came six years before the June 2000 Supreme Court ruling that allowed the Boy Scouts to bar troop leaders based on sexual orientation. The ruling cited the constitutional rights of freedom of association and speech.
Later in 2000, facing pressure from gay rights activists, Romney was cold toward overtures from Scout leaders who wished to participate in Olympic activities.
"At a recent training event for Scout leaders, Marty Latimer, chief Scout executive for the council, revealed that the Scouts are no longer welcome. 'We don't understand what's wrong. They just don't want us and won't talk to us,' said Latimer. He told NewsMax.com that Mitt Romney, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Olympic Committee, has not returned phone calls from a number of Scout officials who have tried to obtain clarification."
(David M. Bresnahan, "2002 Salt Lake Committee Bans Boy Scouts From Olympics," 12/18/00)
Romney's openness to gay scout leaders conflicts with the Scout Oath, which requires Scouts to be "morally straight."
"What part of morally straight doesn't Mitt Romney understand?" said Larry Cirigiano, a Catholic activist in Massachusetts. "Boy Scout 'leaders' are supposed to be role models. Open homosexuals should not be leading young Boy Scouts anywhere."
Senator Brownback has always supported the right of the Boy Scouts of America to determine the best leaders for young scouts.
To view the YouTube video of the 1994 U.S. Senate debate, please visit:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEOJNw4lmlI
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