For Release: April 5, 2006
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
Email: jtmartin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
ACLU Threatens to Shutdown Boy Scout Jamboree
Virginia Attorney General’s Office Files Amicus in Defense of Scouts/U.S. Military
*National Press Conference featuring AG McDonnell at 2PM EST*
Richmond- Tomorrow, April 6 at 9:30 a.m., the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago will hear the appeal of a case that would put an end to the National Boy Scout Jamboree which is held every four years at Fort A.P. Hill in Caroline County, Virginia.
The case, Winkler v. Rumsfeld, was brought by the ACLU. In its case the ACLU alleges that the words “duty to God” in the Scout Oath make the group a religious organization, and that any government support for the group, including use of a military facility, violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment that dictates separation of church and state. The ACLU was successful in a federal district court in Chicago where a judge ruled that the military’s support for the Boy Scout’s is unconstitutional. If the ruling were to stand, the military would be able to offer no support for the Boy Scouts, despite the fact that the United States military regularly provides support for many other civic organizations. The Department of Defense has appealed the case.
The Virginia Attorney General’s Office has written an amicus brief in support of the Department of Defense and the Boy Scouts. As the host state of the Boy Scout Jamboree the Commonwealth has a vested and direct interest in this case.
Speaking about the case, Virginia Attorney General McDonnell, a former Boy Scout and U.S. Army Officer himself, stated, “The Boy Scouts are a patriotic and important civic organization teaching young people the values they need to become mature and productive citizens.” McDonnell continued “This case is not just about the outrageous ACLU attack on yet another bedrock of American culture. It is about preserving a rational view intended by our Founding Fathers concerning the First Amendment ban on a government establishment of religion. I believe our Founders would be incredulous to learn that some believe that the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibits the Boy Scouts from acknowledging their duty to God while on a military base.”
The Jamboree is also important to the economy of Virginia. Every four years scouts from across the country come to the Fredericksburg area to meet, and in the process dramatically benefit the economy of that region. Virginia wants this great character building event to continue to be welcome in the Commonwealth.
Today, at 2 p.m. EST, Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell will participate in a national press conference about the case being held in Chicago. General McDonnell will join the event by phone. All members of the media are invited and encouraged to attend, details follow.
What: Attorney General McDonnell Participates in National Press Conference about ACLU suit Against Boy Scouts
Who: Bob McDonnell, Attorney General of Virginia
George Davidson, National Counsel for the Boy Scouts of America
William H. Hurd, Representing Virginia Congressional Members
Joseph E. Caouettee, Representing the American Legion
When: 2PM EST Wednesday April 5th
Where: Reporters can join the Press Conference by Dialing Into: 1-866-802-6672
Pass Code: 559066#
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