To the Editor: Ban Public Funds to Boy Scouts

This letter was written by a West Orange resident to the editor of Patch.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In 2000, the United States Supreme Court affirmed the right of the Boy Scouts of America not to admit gay boys nor gay men to it organization.

As a result I sent letters to many which, while affirming the right of the Boy Scouts, also advised that, as a private organization and one in which their right of discrimination was affirmed by the Court, should not receive any public funding.

Public funding means your tax dollars and mine.

Then in 2010, the United States Postal Service issued a stamp commemorating the Boy Scouts.

Although the cost of stamps is not part of the US budget, the United States Postal Service is a self funding public governmental agency. I wrote again to many that the use of that stamp, which has now been reissued as a "Forever" stamp, should be avoided as it celebrates a private group that openly discriminates against a specific group of residents in the United States.

I would send the same kind of message about any private group which discriminates against anyone -- which is their respective right to do.

Recently, the Boy Scouts of America reaffirmed their policy of banning gay boys and gay men from the organization.

The issue is not necessarily gay boys or gay men. The issue is whether we should celebrate, honor, praise or otherwise elevate any group while they discriminate, and to do so as part of the public expression of America.

I don't think so and I will not do so.

That the Boy Scouts have and do good deeds: absolutely. But it also restricts its membership.

There was a time and in many respects that time is still with us when Jews, Catholics, African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, gay men and gay women were restricted in some way from the usual aspects of life we all participate in.

If you believe that is right and proper then by all means lend your support to the Boy Scouts which support will come in the form of purchasing and using those Boy Scout stamps.

So, please do not purchase the Boy Scout stamp -- do not use it, since doing so will only elevate their stature in the public venue. And remember, while it is the right of the Boy Scouts to do so, that right does not bring nor should it bring any public praise no matter the form.

Gerry Gurland

West Orange