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Area Reacts to Boy Scout’s Firing for Sexual Orientation

By David Meyer

07/18/2012

(KAIR) -- Area citizens in the region react to the firing of a 19-year-old Boy Scout leader from a northwest Missouri camp because of his sexual orientation.

Eric Jones, from Kearney, Missouri, was removed over the weekend from his job at Camp Geiger, located near Saint Joseph, after mentioning his sexuality in a conversation with the Camp Director.

The Boy Scouts of America has a policy that disallows homosexuals as both leaders and scouts.

Jones had been a scout for 10 years and has earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

Jones told regional media outlets that he believed the director would look beyond his declaration due to his commitment to the organization.

Atchison resident Andrew Werring was once very active not only with Atchison Scout Troupe 53, but Camp Geiger and the Pony Express Council.

He says the reaction amongst other scouts he's spoken to is very mixed.

(Play Audio) RT: :29

Werring says the situation has now, for the time being, put Camp Geiger in a tough spot.

(Audio Continues) RT: :25

Listed in their policy on youth protection at their web site www.scouting.org, it states: “The Boy Scouts of America takes great pride in the quality of our adult leadership. Being a leader in the BSA is a privilege, not a right.”

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the BSA’s ban on homosexuals in 2000.

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Comments

sundance50 (07/19/2012 10:25 AM)

If it is the policy, then ENFORCE IT. Jones put himself into this situation, he knew or should have known with 10 years in, the policy on gays. All he has done is cause an unnecessary problem for the director. Hope this does not ruin Camp Geiger for all the good kids in scouting.