Thu. May 21, 2015
A policy by the Girl Scouts of America (GSA) welcoming transgender girls has raised the ire of conservative religious groups, including the American Family Association (AFA).
An excerpt from the GSA's online "Frequently Asked Questions" page explains the organization's transgender policy,"If a girl is recognized by her family, school and community as a girl and lives culturally as a girl, Girl Scouts is an organization that can serve her in a setting that is both emotionally and physically safe. Inclusion of transgender girls is handled at a council level on a case by case basis, with the welfare and best interests of all members as a top priority. As we face a complex and rapidly changing 21st century, our nation needs all girls to reach their full potential, which has been our focus for more than 103 years."
The policy was actually made public four years ago, but the American Family Association has recently launched an online petition urging the GSA to rescind the policy.
"Girls in the organization will be forced to recognize and accept transgenderism as a normal lifestyle," said Tim Wildmon, President of the AFA.
The AFA was officially labeled as a hate group in 2005 by the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization.
A day after the petition was created, Dr. Andrea Bastiani Archibald, the Girl Scouts USA's chief girl expert, wrote, "Our mission to build 'girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place' extends to all members, and through our program, girls develop the necessary leadership skills to advance diversity and promote tolerance."
The national organization provides guidance to local Girl Scout councils.
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