Backlash Against Boy Scouts in Laurelhurst Over Christmas Tree Pickup (UPDATED with Boy Scouts comment)

Some Laurelhurst residents don’t want their neighbors to support one of theBoy Scouts of America’s local holiday season traditions—picking up Christmas trees for recycling.

The objections in this “Dear Neighbors” letter (PDF) being circulated in the Northeast Portland neighborhood from residents Richard Kuhns and Mary Quigley focus on the Boy Scouts’ stance against Scouts and parent volunteers who are gay.

The Boy Scouts opponents also want the Presbyterian Church of Laurelhurst to stop sponsoring Boy Scout Troop 22 and are urging residents to sign this petition.

WW’s messages with the Boy Scouts Cascade Pacific Council and the Presbyterian Church of Laurelhurst have not yet been returned.

UPDATE at 11:50 am: Here’s the comment from the Boy Scouts Cascade Pacific Council

The BSA recognizes that some do not agree with its position on this single issue, but values the freedom of everyone to express their opinion and teaches its members to use courtesy and respect at all times. To disagree does not mean to disrespect.

One of our greatest strengths as a nation is that we can disagree on a variety of issues while agreeing to support a common good.

The BSA believes that its youth program is not the appropriate forum in which to discuss issues of sexuality.

The BSA will continue to strengthen common interests, while respecting differences, and will focus on its mission and on reaching as many youth as possible in order to help them grow into good, strong citizens.

WWeek 2015

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