Scout Association faces setback over new ‘transpret’ badge for members as young as four years old deemed ‘inappropriate’
- The Scout Association faces a setback for the launch of a ‘transpret badge’
- Young Scouts presented ‘Pride Fun’, ‘Bisexual Fun’ and ‘Lesbian Fun’ badges
- Critics say it is inappropriate to involve children in ‘adult political movement’
The Scout Association suffered a setback last night after introducing a ‘performance badge’ for members as young as four.
Young people were also offered a ‘bisexual fun badge’, a ‘lesbian fun badge’ and a ‘Pride fun badge’.
The woven designs have rainbow or striped patterns behind the traditional fleur-de-lis symbol introduced in 1907 by scout war hero founder Robert Baden-Powell.
However, one critic said last night that it is inappropriate to ask children to be “allies” of what is essentially a mature political movement.
Young people were also offered a ‘bisexual fun badge’, a ‘lesbian fun badge’ and a ‘Pride fun badge’ in the merchandise.
In promotional material for the Scout Shop online, the Scout Association encouraged members to ‘celebrate inclusion … with our Pride collection’. As well as the trans, bisexual and lesbian designs, members can purchase a variety of items, such as clothing and accessories, ‘to support the LGBT + community’.
The badges are £ 1.50, a Scout Pride pair of socks in rainbow colors is £ 6, a traditional Scout scarf in Pride rainbow colors is £ 10 while a hoodie is £ 24.
Scouts interested in buying the trans-fun badge are told: ‘Make a bold statement with this vibrant Scout Pride trans-woven badge. It’s perfect to add to a blanket, poncho, clothes or bag to show your support for Scout Pride and the LGBT + community.
‘Scouting is open to all and welcomes young people and adults, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity. It is important that everyone in Scouts feels welcome, included and valued for who they are. ‘
The Scout Association has long expanded beyond just boys’ clubs.
Cubs are for girls and boys from eight to ten years old and scouts for those up to 14. Its new youth department Squirrels, funded by the Government in disadvantaged areas, also welcomes girls as well as boys from just four to six years old.
The woven designs have rainbow or striped patterns behind the traditional fleur-de-lis symbol introduced in 1907 by scout war hero founder Robert Baden-Powell.
Last night, the director of a campaign group that raises concerns about children being encouraged to change their gender criticized the Scouts’ new badges.
Stephanie Davies-Arai, of Transgender Trend, said: ‘The Scouts should be very careful about the message they send to children from the age of four that “trans is fun”.
Asking children to be “allies” of what is essentially a mature political movement is not appropriate. Children should not be asked to be allies of any group. Do not discriminate, but being an ally takes it too far. ‘ The modern Scout Association has strived for inclusivity with not only girls being allowed, but also different sexualities being celebrated.
Baden-Powell’s 1908 book Scouting for Boys, which launched the movement, said: “Masculinity can only be taught by men, and not by those who are half men, half old women.”
The Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Kent are joint presidents of the Scout Association
But his biographer Tim Jeal claimed the first chief scout ‘was gay and suppressed it. Men were beautiful to him, but he was a romantic, not a practicing homosexual. ‘
And an upcoming biography by Lorraine Gibson, which appears in August, goes further. According to publicity material for the book, Baden-Powell was a ‘macho man and drag artist’ who had a ‘relationship with a fellow soldier that lasted 30 years until he secretly married a 22-year-old woman. when he was 55 ‘.
The Scout Association said last night: ‘Scouts are open to all and welcome young people and adults, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity. It is important that everyone in Scouts feels welcome, included and valued for who they are.
“We are proud to have produced a range of Pride-themed clothing, scarves and badges that support our LGBT + members.”
There are nearly half a million young people in the various divisions of the Scout Association.
The television presenter Bear Grylls is the chief scout who acts as the archbishop of the organization, while the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Kent are joint presidents.