Harry Reid: “today, the U.S. Senate made a strong statement in support of the right of the Boy Scouts of America and other youth…”

“today, the U.S. Senate made a strong statement in support of the right of the Boy Scouts of America and other youth groups to enjoy equal access and a fair opportunity to use the facilities of our Nation's public schools. I am proud to have joined my Senate colleagues in supporting an amendment to S. 1, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which will codify in Federal law recent decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States upholding these basic rights of equality and fairness for the Boy Scouts. I am also a strong supporter of the right of private organizations such as the Boy Scouts to organize as they wish. My son was on Eagle Scout, and I know firsthand the values on which the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts stand. The Scouts stand for strong moral character, duty to God, a respect for the rule of law, service to others and loyalty and allegiance to country. Based upon these high standards, the Boy Scouts and any such private organization should be allowed to determine its own membership without interference. This prerogative has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court as recently as this week, and I commend the Senate for endorsing this fundamental right.”