CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : MISSION VIEJO : Scouts’ Letter Angers Gay Rights Groups

Some residents and gay rights groups are bristling over a fund-raising letter from the Boy Scouts suggesting that the organization is besieged by homosexuals and atheists. “Today, even the Boy Scouts are under attack for sticking to the traditional values you and I grew up with,” says the letter from the Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting officials said the letter, which includes a free calendar, was not meant to offend. They said the letter was composed by a direct mail company that has done similar campaigns for Scout groups nationwide. The Scouts may continue to use the letter if response is good, officials said.