John Stemberger Has The Boy Scouts Sadz

"Trail Life USA is saddened by the announcement regarding the anticipated membership change in Boy Scouts of America, as many families and boys will be negatively affected by this departure from their own long-standing principles. It is tragic that the BSA is willing to risk the safety and security of its boys because of peer pressure from activists groups. Trail Life USA remains committed to timeless Christian values and to the hundreds of Charter Organizations and 23,000 members in 48 states." - Trail Life USA founder John Stemberger, via press release. Stemberger is also the head of the Florida Family Policy Council, which has been represented by the Liberty Counsel in its multiple failed attempts to thwart same-sex marriage.

Douchebag Of The Day - John Stemberger

(Tipped by JMG reader Erik)

RELATED: In July, Stemberger declared that the fight against same-sex marriage "is worth dying for."

Jewish Adults Also Barred From Anti-Gay Trail Life USA Scouting Group

Over at Good As You, Jeremy Hooper points us to this part of FAQ page for Trail Life USA:

Trail Life USA is a Trinitarian Christian organization with a Statement of Faith that includes those denominations that specifically recognize Jesus Christ as the prophesized Messiah of the Jewish scriptures. There are some groups like “Jews for Jesus” that recognize Jesus Christ as the Messiah, but continue to hold to Jewish traditions and customs regarding feasts, etc. A Messianic Jew could indeed be a leader. However, a person of the Jewish faith would not be able to sign our Statement of Faith. Thus, according to our membership standards, Jewish churches and organizations would be precluded from chartering Trail Life USA troops. And those of the Jewish faith would indeed be precluded as adult leaders based on their beliefs. However, a Jewish youth could join. And a Jewish parent could be present at troop functions and even on certain camping trips, but not as a recognized or registered leader that would be providing direct leadership to the youth. And the Jewish denomination would not be recognized as a participating Christian denomination in Trail Life USA. This is the same standard currently in effect at the American Heritage Girls, which is our sister youth organization. Trail Life USA is not for everyone. For Troops that want to transfer intact with non-Christian leadership, Trail Life USA will not be an appropriate option.

Trail Life USA was created in reaction to last year's decision by the Boy Scouts to allow openly gay members (but not adult leaders.)

Head Of Christian Boy Scouts Alternative Is "Horrified" By "Seig Heil" Salute Photo

The head of the Christian scouting group that formed in reaction to the lifting of the ban on openly gay Boy Scouts says he wants news outlets to take down a photo which he says mischaracterizes the salute performed at their meetings.

"We were horrified when we saw the photo in question on the MSN site and immediately investigated the situation," Stemberger said in a statement Monday. "This is what we learned... Many Boy Scout Troops have a tradition of ending their troop meetings with the boys gathering in a circle and then singing the song 'Taps' which is a slow ceremonial piece of music played or sung at the end of the day. The Boy Scouts that do this closing ceremony start singing the song with their hands raised straight into the air with the scout sign and then gradually lower their hands till they get to the end of the song when hands are at their side. This longstanding Boy Scout tradition was being followed with this Texas Trail Life troop using the Trail Life sign." "Unfortunately the reporter (either intentionally or unintentionally) caught this photograph at the exact angle which makes their arms look like they are in some kind of a stationary mid-air salute-- which they are not. We have contacted the Associated Press and demanded that they remove the photo from their archives. Unfortunately, they have not complied with our demand to date," said Stemberger.

Trail Life USA only admits boys who "do not promote sexual immorality" and who are "biologically male." (Tipped by JMG reader Hunter)

Anti-Gay Version Of Boy Scouts Launches

The Washington Times reports:

At the opening session, John Stemberger, chairman of the board of Trail Life USA, teased the crowd of 1,200, saying he would not be surprised if there were “spies” from Grapevine, Texas — BSA’s home base — in the audience. That would make sense, since everyone from supporters to the curious want to know what’s being planned, he said, adding that Trail Life USA will not be “anti-BSA.” The conference’s theme is “Honoring the Legacy, Raising the Standard.” Trail Life USA’s name, drawn from more than 300 options, was carefully vetted and is intended not to be political or controversial, organizers said. “Trail” refers to a pathway and being outdoors, but also symbolizes the passage of life, where there are moral choices, and right and wrong paths, said Mr. Stemberger.

Here's their promo clip.