BILL NUMBER: ACR 69	ENROLLED
	BILL TEXT

	PASSED THE SENATE  JULY 11, 2005
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY  MAY 23, 2005

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Goldberg

                        MAY 12, 2005

   Relative to the Boy Scouts of America.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   ACR 69, Goldberg  Boy Scouts of America.
   This measure would recognize the efforts of Boy Scouts who earn
the rank of Eagle Scout and encourage the Boy Scouts of America to
accept for membership and leadership positions all qualified boys and
men, without discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or
religious belief.




   WHEREAS, Since the founding of the Boy Scouts of America, millions
of Boy Scouts have taken the experience of scouting and gone on to
contribute great things to society; and
   WHEREAS, A Boy Scout can be followed, as he is a leader in his
troop and community, regardless of the scout's race, color, religion,
ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, sexual
orientation, or disability; and
   WHEREAS, The list of former Boy Scouts includes diverse role
models and leaders; and
   WHEREAS, A Boy Scout lives honorably, not only because honor is
important to him, but because of the significant example he sets for
other scouts; and
   WHEREAS, Loyalty to his troop and brother scouts makes him
"pitch-in" and carry his share of the load, recognizing the devotion
to his family and the community in which he lives; and
   WHEREAS, A Boy Scout's courage means standing up for what he
believes in without compromising his own beliefs; and
   WHEREAS, A Boy Scout looks forward to each day, seeking his share
of the world's work to do; and
   WHEREAS, Honor, loyalty, and courage are hallmarks of scouts who
admirably represent the community, council, and troop in their daily
lives; and
   WHEREAS, A Boy Scout always wears a smile as a constant reminder
of cheerfulness; and
   WHEREAS, A Boy Scout is helpful in service and will always "Be
Prepared" to put forth his best; and
   WHEREAS, The character traits represented by Boy Scouts are
symbols present in the Boy Scout badge, worn proudly on the uniform,
by youth in this state and across the country; and
   WHEREAS, It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve
others by helping to instill values in young people, and in other
ways to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in
achieving their full potential; and
   WHEREAS, The values that the Boy Scouts of America strives to
instill are found in the Boy Scout Oath and Law; and
   WHEREAS, Boy Scouts are required to abide by the Scout Law and
Scout Oath, which proudly uses such terms as "honor," "trustworthy,"
and "loyal"; and
   WHEREAS, Many Boy Scouts have been forced to hide their identity
in contradiction to the Scout Mission, Law, and Oath, and Boy Scouts
and scout leaders who were open about their sexual orientation have
been expelled from scouting; and
   WHEREAS, The policy of the Boy Scouts of America to bar from
membership or leadership positions otherwise qualified individuals
solely on the basis of their sexual orientation or religious belief
causes harm to the innumerable boys and men such as James Dale who,
regardless of their hard work and merits, are denied the opportunity
to hold the rank of Eagle Scout or participate in any way in the Boy
Scouts of America; and
   WHEREAS, Many former Boy Scouts have left scouting and formed
their own inclusive organization, Scouting for All, in an effort to
bring the values of scouting to youth without discrimination; and
   WHEREAS, The discriminatory policy of the Boy Scouts of America is
contrary to the policy of the State of California; and
   WHEREAS, Other similar organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Camp
Fire Boys and Girls, and the Boys and Girls Club serve as role
models for the Boy Scouts of America because they do not discriminate
against youth and adults; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the outstanding
efforts of Boy Scouts who, through persistence and hard work, earn
the rank of Eagle Scout; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Legislature encourages the Boy Scouts of
America to accept for membership and leadership positions, including
the rank of Eagle Scout, all qualified boys and men, without
discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or religious
belief; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.