A Boy Scouts of America board member on the Ohio River Valley Council has resigned following the Boy Scouts ousting lesbian mom Jennifer Tyrrell, according to a release from GLAAD.
“Ms. Tyrrell's removal goes against my fundamental beliefs of how we should treat our fellow human beings and is, in my opinion, wholly discriminatory,” wrote former board member David J. Sims wrote in a letter dated April 27.
The news broke in mid April that the BSA had kicked Tyrrell out as den leader of her seven-year-old son’s pack. The following week Tyrrell (pictured) appeared at the Los Angeles GLAAD awards with her partner and children by her side. Following her ousting Tyrrell launched a Change.org petition imploring the BSA to change its policy against gay youth and leaders.
Read the full text of Sims’ resignation letter below:
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I write to you today to inform you that I am resigning as a member of the Board of Directors of the Ohio River Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Yesterday, after receiving the email from Paul Tucker, I first learned the story of Jennifer Tyrrell, the den leader for Pack 109's Tiger Scouts in Bridgeport, Ohio, who was removed as leader solely due to her sexual orientation. I understand that this action was taken as a result of a standing policy of the Boy Scouts of America and that said action is legal. However, Ms. Tyrrell's removal goes against my fundamental beliefs of how we should treat our fellow human beings and is, in my opinion, wholly discriminatory. I understand that the Boys Scouts of America is free to run its organization as it sees fit, however, I can not formally be a part of it based upon this policy.
My grandfather was an Eagle scout, my father was an Eagle scout and I am an Eagle Scout. Other than his family and his Christian faith, the most important thing in my father's life was the Boy Scouts. The lived and breathed scouting. That is what makes this decision so exceedingly difficult and emotional. However, I know that my father would support my decision.
Best wishes to you, Ohio River Valley Council and the Boy Scouts of America in future endeavors. I hope that the powers that be will look into their hearts and find the wisdom and courage to re-examine the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.
Image via Getty.
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