Senate considers 'Support Our Scouts' Act

I've been involved with the Scouting program since I was six years old, so Scouting has always been very dear to my heart. That's why I'm happy to tell you about this bill:

U.S. Senators Bill Frist, M.D. (R-TN) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) will introduce legislation in the next few days "to ensure that the Boy Scouts of America are treated fairly by guaranteeing their right to equal access to public facilities, forums, and programs."

The “Support Our Scouts Act of 2005” guarantees the Boy Scouts’ right to equal access in a number of ways. The legislation removes any doubt that Federal agencies may welcome Scouts to hold meetings and go camping on federal property. It ensures the Defense Department can continue providing support consistent with U.S. law. The legislation also ensures state or local government entities do not deny Boy Scouts equal access to public facilities, programs, or forums. Finally, the act clarifies that federal agencies cannot provide less support to the Scouts than the agency has in the past.

The folks at Grassfire.org have launched a petition urging the passage of this legislation:

As a concerned citizen, I am deeply troubled by the recent attacks which have come against the Boy Scouts simply because the Scouts have taken a stand for faith and moral values. As a private organization, the Boy Scouts has every right to set standards for leadership and morality. The U.S. Supreme Court made this clear! I urge you to cease these hostile attacks against one of America's great institutions.

Well over 380,000 folks have signed the petition, but Grassfire is shooting for a goal of 500,000. Please, help the Scouts who have done so much for the youth of America over the last 95 years.