[Roundtable] Bill to help Scouts Introduced

[Cub Master Pack 133]

Please take a moment to read this article which describes action that needs
to be taken to protect the Boy Scouts of America from the ACLU.

Contact your Congressmen and Senators and let them know that you expect
action.

Scott Mueller


Subject: [Cub-L]: Bill to help Scouts Introduced





Bill to Help Scouts Introduced
by Steve Jordahl, correspondent

Boy Scouts get help in bill that would grant specific protections.

With opposition to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) on the risefrom groups 
like the American Civil Liberities Union (ACLU) and, most recently, from a 
court ruling requiring the Pentagon to cut the group off from meeting on 
military basesthe group is getting help from Senate Majority Leader Bill 
Frist, R-Tenn.

Frist has introduced the "Save Our Scouts" bill which will offer the 
beleaguered organization some protection. The bill states that no federal 
law can be interpreted to limit federal agencies from providing any form of 
support to the Boy Scouts.

Frist, a former Scout himself, said the ACLU's attack on the organization is

indefensible and he is tired of seeing the organization being maligned.

"It's almost as if in (the) ACLU's view, where there's government, there 
cannot be faith," Frist said. "It's wrong, it doesn't make sense and thus I 
introduced a bill called 'Save Our Scouts.' "

The bill, however, failed to gain unanimous consent over the weekend with 
opposition coming from the Democratic side of the aisle. He hopes to avoid 
such partisanship in the next session of Congress.

"It's only common sense to pass this legislation," Frist explained. "The Boy

Scouts of America is congressionally chartered. It's supported by (the) 
federal government in our laws today."

BSA spokesman Bob Bork said they appreciate the support.

"We're obviously heartened by all the outpouring of support by the House of 
Representatives and by the SenateSen. Frist in particular," Bork said. "We 
would be very happy if this bill were ultimately to become law in the next 
Congress."

With or without passage, he says the Scouts are not about to back down 
because of the attacks.

"We're never tired for standing up for traditional principles," Bork 
explained. "Family values, that's what we're about. We will never give in."

The ACLU refused to comment for this story.

TAKE ACTION
Sen. Frist is asking concerned Americans to call their senators and urge 
passage of the "Save Our Scouts" legislation when the Senate reconvenes. For

help in contacting your senators, please see the CitizenLink Action Center.