JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Some Eagle Scouts are turning over awards in response to the Boy Scouts of America reaffirming the longtime policy of barring openly gay members and leaders.
"Discriminating against a group of people, it's not beneficial to anyone," said Matthew Kerns.
The journey that once took Kerns through years of work to earn the Eagle Scout award, now took him to the Post Office to return it.
"I've decided to return my Eagle Scout award because I believe to uphold the values I've learned in the organization, I need to demonstrate and return my badge in protest of their decision," Kerns said.
Kerns is only one of many Boy Scouts who have made the decision to return their Eagle Scout award in response to the Boy Scouts of America's refusal to reverse the policy against gay members.
Along with Kerns' hard-earned medal, he sent a letter to the organization.
"The Boy Scouts of America had an opportunity to teach young men everywhere about an inclusive society and it's failed to do so," Kerns said. "That's what upsets me about their decision."
Deron Smith, Boy Scouts of America public relations director, would not say how many returned medals the organization has received but said, "While a majority of our membership agrees with our policy, we fully understand no single policy will accommodate the many diverse views among our membership or society."
First Coast News