San Diego Urged to Cut Ties to Scouts Over Gay Bias

The San Diego Human Relations Commission on Wednesday issued a harsh censure of the Boy Scouts of America, calling for the city to terminate its lease agreements with the local Scout council because it discriminates against gay members and troop leaders.

The action came a day after San Diego Police Chief Bob Burgreen severed ties with the Boy Scouts of America because the group had suspended an Explorer Scout adviser in the El Cajon Police Department after the officer disclosed publicly that he is gay.

The California Highway Patrol also announced Wednesday that it was reviewing its affiliation with the Boy Scouts in light of the El Cajon officer’s suspension, said CHP Commissioner Maury Hannigan.

Blake Lewis, a national spokesman for the Boy Scouts of America, was quoted in news reports Wednesday saying that despite mounting criticism of the National Boy Scouts of America’s gay exclusion policy, it is unlikely the group would change its membership standards after 82 years.

“Frankly we do not believe a homosexual person provides a role model that’s consistent with what parents expect of our program,” Lewis said.

A spokesman for the San Diego Boy Scouts Council declined to comment Wednesday.

The Human Relations Commission also urged the United Way to cease its funding of the local Scout group. United Way chapters in Northern California have threatened to cease Scout funding over the anti-gay policy.

The commission is an advisory body to the City Council and city manager’s office, and has no policy-setting authority.

The resolution is expected to be presented today to City Manager Jack McGrory, and it will likely be reviewed by the City Council.