Mickey Mouse is not happy with the way the Boy Scouts of America are treating gays. The Walt Disney company will not be providing any type of financial support or grants to local troops and packs over the organizations policies.
According to a letter from Robert Utsey, BSA’s Central Florida Council Board President, “Disney World’s views do not currently align with the BSA.” Utsey added, “We will continue to keep an open line of communication with them, but at this time, are unable to reverse their decision.”
Recently the ban on gay members was removed by the BSA; however, the restriction on gays is still enforced for young men over 18. After that, they must leave the Scouts. They are allowed to express their sexuality, but cannot wear their uniforms in pride parades. According to a Disney spokeswoman in comments to the Orlando Sentinel, the company does not provide grants to institution’s that “operate or support activities that are counter to the policies of The Walt Disney Company.”
Walt Disney World, through the “Ears To You” program, donates money to charities supported by the BSA employees. Disney determined that the BSA fails to measure up to Disney standards of nondiscriminatory practices in regard to “race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, marital status, mental or physical ability, or sexual orientation.”
Deron Smith, a Boy Scouts spokesman, expressed disappointment with Disney’s decision to cut off assistance to the scouts: “We believe every child deserves the opportunity to be a part of the Scouting experience and we are disappointed in this decision because it will impact our ability to serve kids,” Smith said in a statement.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.