Good Deeds 2012: Week 22 Gay Rights Petition to Boy Scouts of America

Good Deed: Signed petition to the Boy Scouts of America to reinstate a Cub Scout leader who was removed for being gay.

Did you hear that crap about the Cub Scout leader who was removed from her position for being gay? It's flat out discrimination, teaching bigotry to young boys, and - ultimately - convinces people like me that the Boy Scouts won't ever be a part of our family or receive any of our money.

Here is part of the petition written by Jennifer Tyrrell, the mother who was removed from her position:

"Shortly after registering my son for Cub Scouts, I was asked to assume the role of den leader and was persuaded by a platform of tolerance, acceptance and support. Throughout the year, my cubs performed volunteer service at a local soup kitchen, collected canned goods for area churches to distribute in food baskets, participated in bell-ringing for the Salvation Army, and, at the time of my removal, were working on a conservation project for a state park. My Tiger Cubs earned multiple Scout badges for service and skills, while learning and exercising the 12 Core Values of Scouting: citizenship, compassion, cooperation, courage, faith, health & fitness, honesty, perseverance, positive attitude, resourcefulness, respect, and responsibility.

The revocation of my membership came shortly after I was elected treasurer of my pack and uncovered some inconsistencies in the pack's finances. Within a week of reporting these findings to the council, I received notice that my membership had been revoked, based on my sexual orientation, citing that because I'm gay, I did "not meet the high standards of membership that the BSA seeks."

There was an outcry of support for me by the parents of my Tiger Scouts, many of whom waited for hours to voice their concerns to members of the council and the pack's charter organization, but were turned away without the opportunity to do so."

As a mother who believes in volunteering, as well as supporting and embracing your children's interests as your own, I can only imagine how heartbreaking this must be for this family.

What was your good deed this week? How about you go ahead and sign this petition?