February 4th, 2013
I’m sure most Turtlers who read that headline think they know the answer and that it isn’t pretty. But I’m not sure it’s all that clear. (New York Times)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which sponsors more Scout troops than any other church, has deferred comment on the proposed change. But even if gay scouts were allowed into Mormon-sponsored troops, the same church membership rules would apply as they do now, a church spokesman said.
Gay and lesbian Mormons are welcomed into the church, the spokesman said, but must follow the same rules as heterosexual Mormons. That means no sex outside marriage, and in Mormon doctrine, same-sex marriage is not recognized as legitimate — even in states where it is legal.
To allow gay youth into a Mormon troop might not be all that much of a challenge. If there’s simply a ‘no boinking’ rule (as opposed to the ‘no existing’ rule favored by many opponents of our community) then it’s not more of an impediment to the good Mormon gay boy than it is to the good Mormon straight boy.
And considering their newfound support for gay Mormons – provided that they marry someone of the opposite sex – it would not surprise me to see them welcome as scoutmaster that peculiar oddity, the openly gay Mormon living as a straight man.
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cowboy
February 5th, 2013
There are already gay Mormon scouts. They just don’t flaunt their sexual orientation and if there’s more than one gay in any troop they will find their clique. Plus, openly homosexual gay scouts would be relegated to the single pup tent and closely monitored at camp.
As for a openly gay Mormon scoutmaster… No matter how chaste or living as heterosexual as possible (even with a quiver-full of kids) would he be assigned as a scout master by his local parish/Ward Bishop. Not even in for a troop in S. F.
It’s best for gay Mormon scouts to stay circumspect.
But Dustin Lance Black could write a good screenplay about a gay Mormon Scoutmaster. Maybe collaborate with Aaron Sorkin (You can’t handle the truth!).
Bose in St. Peter MN
February 5th, 2013
It’s hard for me to imagine that the “no sex outside marriage” rule is anything more than a convenient distraction and oversimplification of where the Mormon church is at.
For example, A 15-y/o scout has a mostly-online boyfriend. They’re both out to their parents. They’ve had a couple/three face-to-face mall dates over a 6-month span which included furtive hand-holding under food court tables and side-to-side snuggles while watching a movie. But, if he mentions his boyfriend in the same social circumstances as other scouts are referencing their girlfriends, is it all OK?
Or, I picture two unmarried 25-y/o Mormon scout leaders, one straight, one gay. The former is encouraged to, and rewarded for, dating; the latter is challenged to prove his celibacy, or better yet, his virginity.
Could Mormons “welcome as scoutmaster that peculiar oddity, the openly gay Mormon living as a straight man?”
Only if the scoutmaster never let his fingers get intertwined with his boyfriend’s, and promised to never let his head rest on the “wrong” shoulder.
Ben Mathis
February 5th, 2013
Ugg, every time I hear the phrase ‘flaunt their sexual orientation’ I want to barf. Referencing cowboy´s comment.
The idea that straight scouts don´t ‘flaunt their sexuality’ is absurd.
Michael C
February 5th, 2013
So, the emotionally, romantically and sexually fulfilled gay guy might be a threat but the sexually repressed guy is totally welcome?. Got it. Color me surprised.
TomTallis
February 5th, 2013
Given the rather vicious amicus brief they filed in the SCOTUS, I’d have to say that that particular leopard has NOT changed its spots.
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