Earn a scouting freethought badge

FFRF has produced a badge to reward freethinking youths and to challenge the Boy Scouts of America’s discriminatory policy against the nonreligious. The badge, based on the Dawkins’ “A,” is being issued in collaboration with the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science.

The Boy Scouts of America formally discriminates against nonreligious boys and their families, officially excluding atheists, agnostics and nonbelievers. Currently, BSA maintains “that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing his obligation to God.”

FFRF maintains that no one can grow into the best kind of citizen who discriminates against the nonreligious, and that it’s what you do — not what you believe — that makes you a good person.

FFRF, at the urging of its member Richard Kirschman, has produced a badge similar to BSA’s merit badges, which are typically sewn on uniforms or sashes.

Scouts who wish to earn this badge are asked to help disprove BSA’s misguided claim that nonbelievers cannot be good citizens.

At Dawkins’ suggestion, the Scout is also required to send FFRF a short essay that addresses BSA’s claim that nonbelievers can’t be good citizens. FFRF does not charge Scouts for the badge.

To apply for the badge: Submit your brief essay, which should include your full name, age, mailing address and contact information, to: freethoughtbadge@ffrf.org.