Atheist scouts told to “keep quiet” or lie about their beliefs

[rug]

Sunday, April 29th, 2012 | Posted by Claire McKim

ATHEIST Scots youngsters are being told to “keep quiet” or lie about their beliefs in order to join the Scouts.

Droves of non-believers are signing up to local scouting groups across the country, despite having to pledge their allegiance to god.

Pledging to do your duty to god and queen are currently key requirements for all members of the Scouts, with a review on the wording currently under way.

Several humanists have admitted their children are in the Scouts, prompting calls for the Scout Association (SA) to adopt a more inclusive oath for atheists – as well as republicans.

http://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2012/04/29/atheist-scouts-told-to-keep-quiet-or-lie-about-their-beliefs/

[Speck Tater]

1. I remember that scout oath...

something like "clean, thrifty, brave, dishonest..."

[SheilaT]

2. Heck, when my oldest was in scouting, we

didn't go public with our lack of religion. It never really came up, in part because some of his scout leaders were equally not religion-bound.

[Towlie]

3. The SA ... does not officially accept atheists into its ranks.

What a coincidence! That's not only true of the SA, it was also true of the SS.

[zbdent]

4. Remember, a while back, there was an "Eagle Scout" who was busted for having

about (edited to correct 140 political signs in his daddy's garage ... not a one of them for the Republican candidate for President ... all of them for the Democrat. (Bath Ohio area)

His daddy, who probably proudly watched his son get the "Eagle Scout" award, hoped that this illegal act would not hinder his son's plans for the future.

Funny, I thought "honest" and such was in the scouts' code ... then again, I just looked it up ...

Scout Oath

On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country;
To obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

I guess that the Scout Law takes precedent over real law ... "trustworthy"? When you steal stuff? That didn't fly when I was a kid ...

[cbayer]

5. It's far past the time for them to change this.

Their prohibitions against gay youth and non-believers is a stain on the organization.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

6. Is the SA in the UK the same as the BSA in the US?

If so, fuck the SA.