Pete Stark: “I rise to oppose H. Con. Res. 6, a resolution expressing, the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense should…”

“I rise to oppose H. Con. Res. 6, a resolution expressing, the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense should continue to exercise its statutory authority to support the activities of the Boy Scouts of America. I do not oppose the Boy Scouts. However, I do oppose the Federal Government using its resources to support an organization that blatantly discriminates against various groups. As a private organization, the Boy Scouts may exclude individuals from membership based on their sexual orientation, religion, or gender. I disagree with that decision, but it is their right. But I oppose a resolution commending any part of our government--even the Department of Defense--for supporting the Boy Scouts or any other organization that promotes active discrimination. The author of this resolution may be concerned that courts are calling into question the appropriateness of the support the Department of Defense provides to the Boy Scouts. I hope the courts do move forward to end this explicit government support of discrimination. We should do that here in Congress, but instead my Republican colleagues are trying to hinder the courts from enforcing civil rights.”