Scout is told: Find God or leave
A US Boy Scout has been given a week to find God or face expulsion from the organisation.
Eagle Scout Darrell Lambert, 19, must declare his belief in a supreme being if he wants to continue to be an assistant leader of a troop in Port Orchard, Seattle.
The Boy Scouts of America said all members were required to observe the Scout Oath, which includes an obligation to do one’s duty to God.
“It would be a disservice to the millions of Scouts and their families to allow individuals to selectively obey or ignore elements of Scout oath and law, statements that define the principles and values of Scouting,” a spokesman said.
But Mr Lambert, who has earned 37 merit badges and served more than 1,000 hours of community service, said he would be lying if he made the profession of faith.
“I wouldn’t be a good Scout then, would I?”
The college student, who became an atheist after learning about evolution at school in his early teens, said officials were being selective in their enforcement of the code.
“I love in the part in the Scout oath where it says that you’re supposed to be physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight. I don’t see us kicking people out of Boy Scouts for not exercising regularly.”
The Boy Scouts of America won a ruling before the US Supreme Court two years ago that allowed it to set standards for membership following a challenge to its ban on gays joining the organisation.
