Girls pushing for spot in Boy Scouts
Boy Scouts of America now accept gay and transgender boys, but not girls; Scouts Canada went coed in 1998
NEW YORK — After many years of divisiveness, the Boy Scouts of America has opened its ranks to gay and transgender boys. Yet a different membership dispute persists: a long-shot campaign to let girls join the BSA so they have a chance to earn the prestigious status of Eagle Scout.
Just last week, after the BSA announced it would admit transgender boys, the National Organization for Women issued a statement urging the 106-year-old youth organization to allow girls to join as well.
NOW said it was inspired by the efforts of a 15-year-old New York City girl to emulate her older brother, who is an Eagle Scout.
“Women can now hold all combat roles in the military, and women have broken many glass ceilings at the top levels of government, business, academia and entertainment,” said NOW President Terry O’Neill. “It’s long past due that girls have equal opportunities in Scouting.”
For now, it appears the Boy Scouts will hold firm.
Communications director Effie Delimarkos noted that the BSA already has some coed programs and might consider more of them,
Overview for all signs:
Feelings slosh back and forth. Take your time to stand on a position that you are more sure of. There has to be a solid base to build on for eventual success.
Analyze input from all sides to strike a balance. Follow tried and true policies or actions that make everyone relax about the direction things are going in. Intuitive flashes help with any choices or easing of worries. Avoid being influenced by the doubts of others; they may not have all the facts.
Attend meetings or brainstorm with associates. Some are still looking for the right location to live or work. Relationship interests change; it looks temporary. Love needs careful assessment to make sure it’s what both want.
ARIES: Hitch your wagon to those who have influence in areas of mutual interest. You share in any gains.
TAURUS: Behind the scenes support gets you to the finish line. but views boys-only programs as a fundamental cornerstone of its mission.
“We’re certainly committed to finding program options that work for the entire family — it’s an area we continue to evaluate,” Delimarkos said.
“But we also feel that the benefit of a single-gender program is an important priority.”
The goal of coeducating the Boy Scouts has a long history.
In 1995, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of a California girl, Katrina Yeaw, accusing the BSA of discrimination for rejecting her application to join. The case reached the California Supreme Court, which upheld the BSA’s right to set its own membership criteria.
In 2015, a group of girls in northern California formed an independent troop called the Unicorns and unsuccessfully applied to affiliate with the BSA.
More recently, New York City teen Sydney Ireland, supported by her father, attorney Gary Ireland, has been campaigning to join the Boy Scouts. Her brother, Bryan, has belonged for a decade.
Among other initiatives, Sydney has posted a petition on Change.org and appeared in an online video that has attracted more than 2.6 million views. Via repeated road trips to London, Ont., she’s also become a member of Scouts Canada — which has been coed since 1998.
For several years, Sydney has been an unofficial member of her brother’s troop in Manhattan, participating in many of its activities but unable to earn merit badges to start on the path to Eagle rank.
“Everybody in Troop 414 has Complete papers or other documents now.
GEMINI: You act in a commanding manner using words that give direction to those who need to trust you.
CANCER: Your talents are applauded or showcased in ways that make you feel confident. They promise.
LEO: Holidays or other travels can belie a dream come true. Relationships grow in cozy environments.
VIRGO: Others are more supportive than expected. Your future will be secured by special arrangements.
LIBRA: Magical moments are shared. Relationship plans advance to the next or final stage. Looks good.
SCORPIO: You are a rising star and would succeed in any competitions. Others make way or concede.
SAGITTARIUS: You have luck with the unexpected this week. Private deals or arrangements work out.
CAPRICORN: Your stable, steady dedication is appreciated by those who count. General improvements.
AQUARIUS: Your words have a calming effect on others who need reassurance. Get together in person.
PISCES: You get the backing or financing you need to pull a plan together. All involved will share benefits.
Heather Zais is an Okanagan resident and astrologer. Her column appears each week in The Okanagan Sunday. Contact her via email at heather_zais@telus.net. been completely positive,” Sydney said. “They’ve never questioned why I want to be part of it — they know how great an organization it is.”
Sydney says her quest to join the Boy Scouts doesn’t reflect any disrespect of the Girl Scouts, which is independent of the BSA and has remained girls-only since its founding in 1912.
“The Girl Scouts is great for some people,” she said. “But the Boy Scouts should allow everyone in. I want that kind of experience.”
In her Change.org petition, which has more than 6,400 supporters, Sydney alludes to the prestige of the Eagle Scout rank — literally a badge of honour for many astronauts, political leaders and business executives. The BSA, on its website, says the rank “has represented a milestone of accomplishment — perhaps without equal — that is recognized across the country and even the world.”
“I am determined to be an Eagle Scout,” Sydney said. “It isn’t just a hobby, it’s access to some of the best leadership training there is.”
The Girl Scouts, unsurprisingly, contend their Gold Award is comparable to the Eagle Badge in terms of a young person’s achievement and civic mindedness.
“Employers look for the Gold Award on women’s resumes,” said Andrea Bastiani Archibald, a psychologist who provides expertise on girls’ development for the Girl Scouts’ national programming.
While the Boy Scouts have established several coed programs, including Venturing and Sea Scouts, the Girl Scouts remain girls-only.
“We know that girls learn best in an all-girl, girl-led environment,” Bastiani Archibald said. “It’s unfortunate that some people still consider belonging to a male membership organization superior to belonging to a female one.”
Sonia Ossorio, president of the New York City branch of NOW, has a different perspective on the push to make the Boy Scouts coed.
“We feel the timing is right to be talking about this,” she said.
“In the climate of disrespect for women that we’re living in, there’s a huge value in bringing boys and girls together to work in teams, to learn about respect and compassion and leadership, like only Scouting can do.”