The Boy Scouts of America, last week, ended their policy of banning openly gay youth from the organization. According to the New York Times report, "The decision, which followed years of resistance and wrenching internal debate, was widely seen as a milestone for the Boy Scouts, a symbol of traditional America. More than 1,400 volunteer leaders from across the country voted, with more than 60 percent approving a measure that said no youth may be denied membership 'on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone.'"

The Scouts, however, still do not allow openly gay adult leaders.

The news reminded us of the great scout controversy of late 2000, early 2001 when District 97 decided it could no longer serve as host facilities for scout troops because of their discriminatory stance against homosexuality. The controversy hit just as the great Tasty Dog controversy hit, which also coincided with contentious village elections.

That resulted in record-breaking numbers of letters to the editors and very expanded Viewpoints sections.

Twelve years later, the Boy Scouts have finally begun to recognize what Oak Parkers were saying all along.

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