Boy Scouts Lift Ban on Gay Youth, But...

I've written before about my challenges with the Boy Scouts discriminatory policies against atheists. As much as this policy bothers me, their discrimination based on sexual orientation has always seemed worse. At least atheism goes against their "Fundamental Principles." Sexual orientation based discrimination requires interpretation of specific beliefs and/or values.

But now Boy Scouts Lift has lifted their ban on gay youth. As has been reported the new policy states that “no youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone,” but it does not extend to adults.“When youth members become adults, they ‘must meet the requirements of our adult standards’ to remain in the group.”

The message sent by “we’ll allow gay teens, but not gay adults” is “we’re hoping we can straighten you out before it’s too late!”
— Melissa (@0xabad1dea) May 23, 2013

BSA's new policy almost seems like a tactic to encourage gay youth to identify themselves so they can be excluded as adults.

Meanwhile I'm looking forward to BSA lifting its ban on atheist youth. Obviously they'll have to convert when they're adults.