Man returns medal to Boy Scouts over anti-gay stance
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OAK PARK, Ill. (FOX 32 News) -
An Oak Park man is taking a stand against the Boy Scouts. He has returned his Eagle Scout medal as a protest against the organization's anti-gay stance.
The Chicago Tribune reports Rob Breymaier is returning the medal after losing hope that the 102-year-old organization would "do the right thing."
Breymaier said he has long opposed the Scouts' policy. Earlier this month, the Boy Scouts reaffirmed its policy of excluding gays after conducting a two-year review. The group cited support from parents as a key reason for keeping the policy.
"I could always explain away that it was an old policy and that sooner or later, we'll be able to force a vote on the issue," Breymaier said. "But when this vote happened and they reaffirmed the policy, it was just too much. It was infuriating, embarrassing and upsetting."
Breymaier was a Boy Scout in Toledo, Ohio, for a decade, and spent another 10 years as an adult leader of the same troop. Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts. Those who earn the rank must have 21 merit badges, serve six months in a leadership position and pass a board of review.
Breymaier said he won't let his 8-year-old son continue being a Scout. He said instead he'd like to start a local group that has Scout values but is also inclusive.
A Boy Scouts spokesperson said five Eagle Scouts have returned their medals.
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