WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate passed the Support Our Scouts Act of 2005 today by a vote of 98 to 0. U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) cosponsored the legislation introduced by Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) as an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill. The legislation provides that federal agencies may continue to support the Boy Scouts and allow use of federal property for activities and hosting events. The legislation is in response to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) suing the Department of Defense and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to prevent their support of the Boy Scouts. The ACLU’s case is based on its objection to the Boy Scouts’ oath to God taken by its members.

"Boy Scouts have been an essential part of our heritage and the spirit of America for over 90 years. This amendment protects the Boy Scouts’ expression of religion and will ensure that Scouts continue to be able to inspire young people with the highest ideals of citizenship, service and leadership," Hagel said.

Under the legislation, no state or local government may deny youth organizations, expressly including the Boy Scouts, equal access to open or public forums if that government unit receives federal community development funds.