Homosexuality and the Boy Scouts:
What Is a Proper Role Model?

In the election this year in Maine, voters are going to be facing a question of affirming equal rights for all people. I’ve been heartened tonight by some of the distinctions we’ve been able to make. We both have a respect for different theological views. We believe in the worth and dignity of all people. I hope the voters here in Maine will not think that what they vote on in Question 6 has a thing to do with the Boy Scouts, because it doesn’t. It does have to do with whether people will be guaranteed rights and very basic things about housing, public accommodation, safety. If the Boy Scouts want to become a narrower and more religious organization, if indeed the religious politics that they play are as relentless as that, then I’m just sad. I could have wished for more respect for my point of view within a civic organization, but I guess it’s not to be had. And I wish my nephews could take part in Scouts, but they won’t.

I just hope you will go forth from here tonight, continuing to be proud of the heritage that New Englanders have always had, in protecting human rights. Make sure that Maine doesn’t discriminate. Make sure that whatever goes on in organizations that are given the right to be voluntary, that the commonweal is one where we really do care for one another, and give one another basic human rights.

My last word is just vote "Yes" on Six. [audience applause]

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