PRESS RELEASE:Los Angeles-Based Atheist Group Applauds LAPD for Bold Move

LOS ANGELES, November 9, 2009-Atheists United applauds the Los Angeles Police Department for severing its ties with the organization that administrates its Police Explorer Program, which was affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, whose openly discriminatory policy prohibits the participation of atheist and gay youth and adult leaders. This is a bold stand for the LAPD to make, considering the popularity of the Scouting program and the perceived positive impact it has in the community. For too long, the Boy Scouts has been able to discriminate against atheist and gay youth and leaders without any retribution from the many local, state and federal government agencies that support, promote and directly fund The Boy Scouts but whose anti-discrimination laws directly conflicts with Scouting policy. Robert M Saltzman, a member of the LAPD Police Commissioner Board explains in his blog, "I know first-hand the significant value of the Explorers Programs to the LAPD and for the young men and women who participate. But no matter how valuable the programs, that value is no justification for them to be administered by an agency that does not comply with the city's non-discrimination laws."

Atheists United President, Bobbie Kirkhart comments, "I have young grandsons, and I don't worry about personal discrimination they might face, but I hope never to have to tell them that any part of their government supports discrimination. Right now, that's not the case, but I can tell them their police department respects their rights. This is an important step."

Atheists United Director of Communications and Membership Brian Parra continues, "As a former Scout, I regret that this shameful policy has persisted and I hope that the continuing loss of public support for the Boy Scouts will increase and either cause the organization to cease membership discrimination once and for all or fail in such a manner that another organization that serves the youth fairly will come along and fill the void."

For More Information:
Brian Parra
Director of Communications and Membership
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