American Family Association of Michigan 

Dr. Robert W. Mendham, Jr. Letter to George Heron, Executive Director of the United Way of Bay County

Mr. George R. Heron 
United Way of Bay County 
909 Washington Avenue 
Bay City, Michigan 48078

Dear Mr. Heron:

Recently, the United Way chapter in Allegan County refused to provide funds to the local Boy Scouts of America. Their refusal was based on the contention that the Allegan County chapter is prohibited from supporting groups that discriminate. Further, they contended that the Boy Scouts discriminated by refusing to allow homosexual men to hold positions of leadership in that organization - an organization dedicated to the spiritual and emotional growth of adolescent males and the promotion of fundamental Christian ideals.

Now, your chapter is discussing whether to follow the same course of action and I am writing to express my disapproval and to urge you not to follow the misguided and inappropriate actions of the Allegan County chapter.

First, to assert that the Boy Scouts of America discriminate against anyone is absurd. Second, any private group has the right to define the basic moral principles upon which that group shall be governed. Refusing to accept homosexual men into their organization is not discrimination, it is commendable. It is unconscionable to declare that the Boy Scouts discriminate because they refuse to accept persons who practice conduct that is a felony under Michigan law. Homosexual behavior is not only immoral, it is illegal. Michigan law states:

Any male person who, in public or private, commits or is a party to the commission of or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any male person of any act of gross indecency with another male person shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years, or by a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or if such person was at the time of the said offense a sexually delinquent person, may be punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for an indeterminate term, the minimum of which shall be 1 day and the maximum of which shall be life. MCL 750.88; MSA 28.570.

How can any United Way chapter justify denying funding to an organization simply because that organization refuses to condone sexually deviant criminal conduct? You cannot justify it. Does it make sense to send men who like to have sex with other men, out into the woods to sleep in tents with young boys? Of course not.

While the principle behind refusing to fund an organization that discriminates is laudable, you must be cautious that your definition of discrimination does not cast too broad a net. You must use sound reasoning, not political correctness, in defining what is or is not discrimination.

The Allegan County chapter was wrong, morally and ethically. Homosexuality is not only a crime under Michigan law; it is a crime against nature and a crime against God. To stand up for your moral beliefs is not discrimination, it is strength of character.

I urge you to display such strength of character and stand up for moral decency and against political correctness. I urge you to take a firm stand against the vocal minority voice of those who would have us believe that homosexual conduct is acceptable. I urge you to continue funding the Boy Scouts of America.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert W. Mendham, Jr.