Equality Texas: Rick Perry Is Obsessed & Preoccupied With Sex

By Vince Leibowitz on Feb 28, 2008 in Texas Governor

We missed this last week due to time constraints, but wanted to make sure we posted it, because it makes some great points about Rick Perry’s book on the Scouting movement. It’s destined to become a classic press statement. It’s from Equality Texas:

In an interview with Deborah Solomon in Sunday’s The New York Times Magazine, Texas Governor Rick Perry continued his preoccupation with sex, asserting that allowing gays in the Boy Scouts of America would subject boys to “a crash course in sexual orientation”. When asked why he supports efforts to keep gays out of the Scouts, Perry said, “I am pretty clear about this one. Scouting ought to be about building character, not about sex. Period. Precious few parents enroll their boys in the Scouts to get a crash course in sexual orientation.” When asked whether he believed that gay youth might also be interested in the character-building aspects of scouting, Perry replied, “The argument that gets made is that homosexuality is about sex.”

Statement of Paul Scott, Executive Director of Equality Texas:

“The Boy Scouts of America are, indeed, about building character. Governor Perry seems to be the one confused that being gay is just about sex. He fails to realize that the characteristics of being a Scout – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent are all characteristics that can define a gay Scout member or a gay Scout leader. No one is advocating for Scout leaders to teach a course in sexual orientation, but that they be allowed to serve in order to help build character and integrity.

Discrimination against someone because of their sexual orientation is clearly not character building, and implying that being gay is a defect in character is inaccurate and offensive. Governor Perry’s perpetuation of stereotypes and falsehoods is the complete antithesis of good character.

This obsession and preoccupation with sex by Governor Perry is blinding him to the reality that gay Scout members and potential scout leaders possess the qualities necessary to make a good Scout Leader. This fear and ignorance is harmful and prevents the Boy Scouts of America from truly fulfilling its mission.”

Statement of Jodie Eldridge, Executive Director of Atticus Circle

“Across this state there are thousands of gay men and lesbian women who are leaders and mentors in their workplaces, in their faith communities, and in their schools. In our country, there are millions of gay folks who are excellent parents, teachers and caregivers for our kids. I am sure they would also make excellent Scoutmasters, if only given the chance.”

Equality Texas and Atticus Circle invite gay Boy Scouts, and gay former Boy Scouts to attend Governor Perry’s book-readings across the state to demonstrate to the governor that the principles of scouting are beneficial to heterosexual and homosexual Texans.