FORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 21 (UPI) -- An Indiana lawmaker charges Girl Scouts is a "radicalized organization" that has become a "tactical arm of Planned Parenthood."
In a letter to Indiana House Republicans, Rep. Bob Morris, a Fort Wayne Republican, explained why he was the lone holdout on a resolution celebrating the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts of America. Morris said his Web research found allegations the Girl Scouts "entered into a close strategic affiliation with Planned Parenthood," although the organizations deny it, The (Fort Wayne) Journal Gazette reported Tuesday.
Morris said "abundant evidence proves the agenda of Planned Parenthood includes sexualizing young girls through the Girl Scouts, which is quickly becoming a tactical arm of Planned Parenthood."
Also, a boy who claimed a "transgender or cross-dressing lifestyle" was permitted to become a member of a Girl Scout troop, the letter said.
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Finally, first lady Michelle Obama's role as honorary president "should give each of us reason to pause before our individual and collective endorsement of the organization," Morris said.
"As members of the Indiana House of Representatives, we must be wise before we use the credibility and respect of the 'Peoples' House' to extend legitimacy to a radicalized organization," he said.
Since the story broke Monday, The Journal Gazette said it spread on Internet sites such as Twitter and Facebook.
Rep. Win Moses, a Democrat from Fort Wayne, told the newspaper his daughter was a Girl Scout.
"To politicize it, to demonize it, is unfair," he said. "I'm shocked they would be treated in this manner."
Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana said the organization believes sex- and sexuality-related issues should be taken up with parents and guardians.
Ashley Sharp, assistant marketing director of Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana, said the issue "really hasn't affected us. Our membership is still strong, and our cookie sales are up from last year."
