Wilderness Organization Deserves Affordable Space

On May 3, the U.S. Supreme Court brushed aside contestations over the long-disputed patch of land in Balboa Park leased to the Boy Scouts of America — with a hefty discount. Given that the park is public property, detractors argued, the constitutional ban on government preference for religious groups prohibits the park from leasing its land to the organization at a reduced rate; to go against that ban is to compromise free speech.

The crux of the Boy Scout controversy is centered around the religious bias of the organization. However, even though the Boy Scouts historically are a Christian organization, they claim to have no theology, nor a position for or against any particular religion.

What’s more, a report drafted in 2008 by the Balboa Park Committee states that the park may lease facilities to any “cultural institution” for “little or no rent” that will prove a benefit to the community — and it’s not only the Boy Scouts who benefit from this policy, which disproves any claims of religious preference.

Yes, continuing to force scouts to recite their “duty to God” at meetings does reinforce a certain religious preference. And that probably won’t change in the immediate future. But it’s important to realize that almost every interest group is biased one way or the other — so the only way that the city government could remain unbiased is to provide land to the organizations who need it most — as all can agree a wilderness training program might.

—Cheryl Hori

Associate Opinion Editor

Cheap Land Lease Violates Consitution

In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that, because Boy Scouts of America is a private organization, it can legally discriminate based on sexual orientation.

Boy Scouts has a long history of excluding atheists and agnostics as well. Two of the largest sponsors of the Boy Scouts are the Church of Latter Day Saints and the Catholic Church. Given these affiliations, it is clear that the organization has a religious agenda. And while the park committee’s 2008 report stipulates that discounted land may be granted to organizations that benefit the city, one that discriminates against many community members can hardly be considered beneficial.

The city of San Diego has allowed Boy Scouts to lease city parklands for just $2,500 per year. By granting the Boy Scouts discounted rent, the city of San Diego is supporting what is clearly a discriminatory organization. Gays, lesbians, atheists and agnostics all pay taxes to the city to support those parklands. Allowing the Boy Scouts to use this land — practically for free — is an insult to San Diego residents.

As long as Boy Scouts of America remains an organization with a religious bias, it should not be supported by a government that is legally obligated to remain secular.

—Allison Gauss

Senior Staff Writer