Eagle Scouts–one is wearing glasses and one is not wearing glasses
Two years ago the Boy Scouts, under the weight of history and doing what's right, made
half of a good decision. That was to allow gay Boy Scouts to continue being Boy Scouts BUT to ban them once they turned 18 and disallow gay adult scouts and especially gay men from becoming Scout leaders.
The fight has not ended. Last year two brothers, identical twins Liam and August Easton-Calabria, were both awarded the highest rank of Eagle Scouts.
Liam is gay, and August is straight. And since the Boy Scouts of America policy only allows gay youth – not adults – to participate, Liam’s scouting career will soon come to an end.
August is not going to let this go without a fight. From his
change.org petition page:
While Liam and I both look forward to continuing this family legacy of Scouting, the membership policy of the Boy Scouts won’t allow it. I am straight. Liam is gay. In the eyes of the BSA, I am worthy to share Scouting with my children, but he is not. This heartbreaking consequence for Liam, me, and our parents goes against all I learned in Scouting.
My brother embodies the Scout Oath and Law and was a leader among our Troop. Liam took on the responsibility of Patrol Leader at age 14. After two years, the Scouts in our Troop elected Liam as their Senior Patrol Leader. He earned the admiration and loyalty of our fellow Scouts because of his integrity. The fact that Liam is gay did not affect his relationship with anyone. It has nothing to do with the content of his character.
One has 22 merit badges, the other has 22 merit badges
It's very hard, when faced with the glaring reality of...reality, to be sympathetic with old institutions that want to hold onto their ancient bigotry.