Does United Way fund the Boy Scouts of America, South Florida Council?
As of June 2003, United Way no longer funds the traditional membership-based scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America, South Florida council. Several years ago the Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment freedom of expression and association prevented the government from requiring the Boy Scouts to accept gay troop leaders. United Way did not ask the Boy Scouts to change its values or its national membership policy. The local Boy Scouts council agreed to equip its leaders with the appropriate skills and knowledge to best help a young boy who might be gay. However, when Boy Scouts of America prohibited its South Florida council from implementing the agreed upon sensitivity training program, United Way of Miami-Dade decided to amend its relationship with the organization. Boy Scouts of America, South Florida council, continues to be eligible to receive designated dollars, as are all 501 (c) (3) health and human service agencies in Florida. United Way of Miami-Dade charges a one
