Boy Scouts of America Revoke Church’s Charter Over Gay Scoutmaster Beef

The Boy Scouts of America have once again flexed their anti-gay muscle, this time ousting an openly gay Seattle-based Scoutmaster, followed by canceling the charter agreement with the Seattle church that stood by his side.

Geoff McGrath, 49, an Eagle Scout and software engineer from Seattle, was kicked out of the Boy Scouts and barred from continuing as a Scoutmaster following an interview with NBC in which he acknowledged he was gay, reports CNN.

Once they caught wind of the interview, the Boy Scouts of America confronted McGrath who confirmed that, yes indeed, he was gay. In fact, while he’s been enjoying a successful 20 year relationship with his partner, he’s also been enjoying the successful creation of a solid Boy Scout troop that is hosted by the Rainier Beach Methodist Church.

As a Boy Scout Scoutmaster, McGrath has been leading Troop 98 since its inception last fall. Rainier Beach Methodist also sponsors a Cub Scout Pack, or at least would like to continue to do so depending on what happens next.

The Boy Scouts of America wrote in a March letter to McGrath, that it had “no choice” but to ban his membership after learning of the NBC interview.

According to Boy Scouts of America authorities, McGrath violated their leadership qualifications when he “deliberately injected his sexuality” into his scouting program by announcing his sexual orientation to the media and the Boy Scouts.

But Rainier Methodist decided to stand by McGrath, despite the Boy Scouts of America stripping him of his affiliation with the organization.

Rev. Monica Corsaro explained the church’s stance, saying, “As a Reconciling Congregation, it’s important to us that we are open to all people.”

She also said McGrath has their support because his work reflects their spirit and values.

“We were not hiding,” said Corsaro. “We are talking about real people that are being affected by a policy of discrimination… by a policy that (the Boy Scouts of America) teaches, so we are just calling it out.”

A letter from an attorney representing the Boy Scouts, spelled out their beef with the church:

“As you are aware the policy of the Boy Scouts of America does not allow open or avowed homosexuals to serve as volunteer adult leaders.”

Deron Smith, a Boy Scouts spokesman, also issued a statement Monday, saying:

“We are saddened by this development, but remain committed to providing all youth with the best possible Scouting experience where the Scouting program is the main focus.”

As for McGrath, while he says being excluded from the Boy Scouts “was a blow”, he says he’s going to continue being a part of the church’s youth program despite not being able to use the Boy Scouts of America name:

“Just because the BSA doesn’t want to be involved with this church and these kids, we will still have a robust youth program for our kids,” said McGrath to The Associated Press. “It’s one of the best things I do. One of the things that really makes my week is spending time with these kids.”

Whether or not the Boy Scouts still recognize McGrath’s achievements and Status as an Eagle Scout is unknown, but the Boy Scouts did recently begin to accept gay youth into their programs.