Scouts, United Way sever ties

United Way Capital Area (Austin, Texas) has severed ties with the Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts (story).

"The agreement we made enables each of our organizations to recognize the policy differences, but to carry forward respecting each other, our people, and our programs,” said Clarke Heidrick of the United Way Capital Area.

That agreement could cost the Capitol Area Council of Boy Scouts thousands of dollars in funding.

Starting in July of next year, the local council of the scouts will not apply for funding through United Way.

The decision stems from "inconsistencies" between "inclusive policies" of the two groups.

"The policy we're talking about from the Boy Scouts perspective is the one regarding membership and leadership qualifications and the one that doesn't allow avowed homosexuals to be a part of our program,” said Bruce Walcutt, of the Capitol Area Council of Boy Scouts.

They stand to loose about $160,000 a year because of this. It's hard for me to understand the message they are sending to youngsters about gay kids. And, how would your feel if you were a gay kid and wanted to be part of the group, but couldn't. It's just wrong.

I keep saying that I think that in time the Boy Scouts will come around, but now I'm beginning to believe that they really don't care about inclusiveness and they will drive the organization into the ground before they will see that happen. It's sad, because so many kids are going to loose out.

One of the organizations that I support is Scouting For All. It's a great program.