Some Eagle Scouts Return Badges to Protest Scouts’ Gay Ban

Dozens of recipients of the Boy Scouts of America’s highest award are handing back their Eagle Scout badges or otherwise publicly protesting the national nonprofit group’s recent decision to maintain its ban on openly gay members, according to The Boston Globe.

At least 148 Eagle Scouts nationwide have shared letters on a Tumblr blog called “Eagle Scouts Returning Our Badges,” set up by a Seattle Scout to oppose the ban, which the national scouting organization reaffirmed last month. Additional protests have sprung up on other social-media sites.

“This is absolute bigotry and ignorance,” said Ned Coltman, 21, of Reading, Mass., who last week sent the Scouts back his Eagle badge. “They have to know there are Eagles out there who are angry at this.”

In a statement, the Boy Scouts group said there are some 2 million Eagle Scouts nationwide.

The organization does not have a count of recently returned medals “but we have received a few,” spokesman Deron Smith said, adding, “Although we are disappointed to learn of anyone who feels compelled to return his Eagle medal, we respect their right to express an opinion.”