Dear Representative:
The American Civil Liberties Union strongly urges you to vote YES on H.R. 4892, the Scouting for All Act. House passage of this legislation will send a clear message that the federal government does not endorse any discrimination--including discrimination based on sexual orientation--against young people or their volunteer leaders.
The Federal Government Should Not Endorse an Organization that Discriminates
A federal charter is a special honor that Congress bestows on only a very small number of the thousands of organizations that serve charitable, patriotic, or educational purposes. The presence or absence of a federal charter has no effect on an organization's federal funding or tax status. It is only an honorary title. The Boy Scout's federal charter could create the mistaken impression that the federal government endorses the Boy Scout's discrimination by honoring it with a federal charter.
The Boy Scouts Deserve Equal Rights, But Not Special Rights
The Boy Scouts deserve the same rights as similar organizations to gain access to government services. But a federal charter is a special right available only to a few special organizations. The government should not deny the Boy Scouts equal rights to access government services, but it should deny the Boy Scouts special rights not open to all other groups.
Congress Should Not Buttress an Organization That Is Paying for Its Discrimination
In the few months since the 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court allowing the Boy Scouts to discriminate against its leaders based on sexual orientation, countless corporations, parents' groups, civic associations, and religious organizations have severed, or are in the process of severing, their sponsorship of Boy Scout troops. The Congress should not try to buttress an organization that will go the way of the Daughters of the American Revolution in losing its place in American life if it does not end its discriminatory practices.
For these reasons, the ACLU urges you to vote YES on H.R. 4892.
Very truly yours,
Laura W. Murphy
Director
Washington National Office
Christopher E. Anders
Legislative Counsel
Washington National Office