Dear Mr. Snapp:

The Supreme Court recently recognized that an organization has a fundamental right ot define its membership criteria. I agree that the Boy Scouts should have the right to screen its troop leaders in any manner they see fit.

The Klu Klux Klan denies non-whites and homosexuals the right to join its organization while the Boy Scouts denies homosexuals the right ot join its organization. The law does not prevent them from doing so.


Because the KKK denies non-whites the right to join their organization they are not allowed preferential tax treatment since non-whites are a protected class of citizens. I doubt if they would qualify for United Way support. The Boy Scouts are allowed to discriminate against homosexuals because they are not a protected class of citizens. Therefore, they are allowed preferential tax treatment and support from the United Way.

In the Boy Scouts arguments before the Supreme Court they defended this policy on the grounds that homosexuals are not morally straight. By denying homosexuals the right to be troop leaders they are telling the world that homosexuals are immoral and perpetuating the unreasoned hate and bigotry against gays. This policy encourages others to discriminate and to engage in acts of violence against homosexuals.

I believe that if the Boy Scouts wish to continue discriminating against homosexuals they should continue to do so but without the support of the United Way.

Sincerely

Sheila L Richardson

Written October 1st, 2000