Despite Gay Ban, Boy Scout Leader Says San Bruno Group Has 'Open Arms' Policy

The Boy Scouts of America has come under fire many times for its policy on excluding Scouts or adult leaders who are gay.

Despite the criticism, the 102-year-old organization stood its ground once again and said this week that it will not change its policy of excluding gays.

The Huffington Post reported that the national organization cited support from parents as a key reason for not changing the policy:

The Scouts' chief executive, Bob Mazzuca, contended that most Scout families support the policy, which applies to both adult leaders and Scouts.

"The vast majority of the parents of youth we serve value their right to address issues of same-sex orientation within their family, with spiritual advisers and at the appropriate time and in the right setting," Mazzuca said. "We fully understand that no single policy will accommodate the many diverse views among our membership or society."

Locally, however, not everyone shares those views. I reached out to one of the leaders of San Bruno's Cub Scout Troop 290 and he said he has an "open arms" stance when it comes to the Boy Scouts.

"Our pack is very diverse and open to anyone who wants to participate," said Alfonso Esqueda, a leader with the local group. "We live in the Bay Area.We accept all. Life is too short to be worried about who likes who. I'm more concerned with making sure the boys have a great learning experience and really work on what the Scouts are truly about: a life of service for our nation."

"These leaders that choose not to accept should really re-read the scout law," he added.

Esqueda cited two principles noted in the organization's handbook that are meant to teach each Scout the meaning of what it is to be a Boy Scout:

A Scout is Friendly.

A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.

A Scout is Courteous.

A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.

What do you think?