The Girl Scouts of America have never been famous for their inclusiveness, and had garnered a lot of negative attention for their “Christians-only” stance. They’ve since loosened the rules on the religious beliefs of their young members, which is slightly more positive, but its some of their other ideas that have some Christian groups (and the Catholic Church) urging their followers to ban membership in the GS of America. Why?
Girl Scout CEO Kathy Cloninger has said publicly: “We partner with many organizations. We have relationships with our church communities, with YWCAs, and with Planned Parenthood organizations across the country, to bring information-based sex education programs to girls.”
Bringing information to girls is just too much for some Christians, who vehemently oppose any involvement in Planned Parenthood. Additionally, these churches don’t appreciate the Girl Scouts teaching young scouts about famous women like American sports hero Billie Jean King; Frances Perkins, the U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945 who helped write New Deal legislation; and Rachel Carson, a legendary marine biologist and author who was primarily responsible for the ban on DDT and the formation of the EPA. Why? Because those women were lesbians.
Let’s hope that the Girl Scouts of America refuse to back down on their evolving stances towards equality. Email the Girl Scouts and let them know that you stand by their decision to continue to work with Planned Parenthood and their pledge to teach young women about diversity and empowerment.