United Way Chapter Moves to Drop Scouts
The United Way of Santa Clara County has taken the first step toward adopting a policy that would cut funding to agencies, such as the Boy Scouts, that display anti-gay bias.
The board of trustees voted 26 to 21, with two abstentions, Friday in favor of the policy to sever ties by 1994 with groups that discriminate against gays and lesbians.
A two-thirds majority is required to amend the charity’s bylaws so that the policy can take effect. A vote on the bylaw amendment is scheduled for Dec. 17.
If the board adopts the policy, United Way of Santa Clara County would join chapters in the San Francisco Bay Area and metropolitan Chicago in severing ties with the Scouts.
Boy Scout officials say that allowing homosexuals to become leaders or members would be inconsistent with the Scout Oath and Law. Gay former Scouts say that stance reflects the anti-homosexual prejudice of a relatively small group that runs the organization.
United Way officials said pulling support from the Scouts could cost the chapter up to $1.4 million in lost donations, while continuing to support the group could cost up to $800,000.
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