House works to repeal Scout charter

WASHINGTON - A small group of House lawmakers charging that the Boy Scouts' policy toward gays was a badge of intolerance moved yesterday to repeal the organization's federal charter.

The legislation was another challenge to the long-standing relationship between the Boy Scouts and the federal government rising out of the group's stance on, excluding homosexuals. A vote on the bill, expected to be easily defeated, will likely take place today.

The bill's chief sponsor, Rep. Lynn Woolsey, (D-Calif.), said she was a Girl Scout and one of her sons was a Boy Scout. "We're not saying the Boy Scouts are bad; we're saying that intolerance is bad," she said in introducing the measure earlier this summer.

"We're disappointed that this bill would even be considered," countered Boy Scouts spokesman Gregg Shields. He said having a federal charter is an honor and "we hope to continue to live up to that honor."

Republicans were quick to condemn the bill and its Democratic supporters. "Election-year pandering on an issue so radical and anti-American is an insult to families, Scouts and the country," said Rep. J.C. Watts of Oklahoma, the fourth-ranking House Republican.

"I scheduled this bill to demonstrate the lack of support for those who have declared open season on the Boy Scouts," said House Majority Leader Dick Armey, (R-Texas).

The Boy Scouts of America got its federal charter in 1916, six years after it was founded. It is one of about 90 groups with such designation, an honorary title given to patriotic, charitable and education organizations.

While it confers no specific benefits, receiving a federal charter is a mark of prestige and national recognition for a group. Among other groups with federal charters are the American Legion, Future Farmers of America, the National Tropical Botanical Garden and the National Ski Patrol.

The Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision in June, upheld the Boy Scouts' ban on homosexuals serving as troop leaders. That ruling may also give legal backing to the 6.2 million-member organization's rejection of gay youths as members.