DALLAS -
Boy Scout families are being asked to weigh in on the
controversy surrounding gays in scouting.
The Boy Scouts of America reportedly emailed a survey to
troop leaders and members across the country. Last month the national council
said it wanted more input before voting on a proposal to lift the ban on gay
troop leaders and volunteers.
Some of the questions are very specific.
For example, "Bob is 15 years old and the only openly
gay scout in a Boy Scout troop. Is it acceptable or unacceptable for the troop
leader to allow Bob to tent with a heterosexual boy on an overnight camping
trip?"
Also, "Johnny, a first grade boy, has joined Tiger Cubs
with his friends. Johnny's friends and their parents unanimously nominate
Johnny's mom, who is known by them to be lesbian, to be the den leader.
Johnny's pack is chartered to a church where the doctrine of that faith does
not teach that homosexuality is wrong. Is it acceptable or unacceptable for his
mother to serve as a den leader for his Cub Scout den?"
The BSA said responses to the survey will be kept
confidential.
The council plans to vote on the policy in May.
