PORT ORCHARD, Washington (AP) – Eagle Scout Darrell Lambert has earned 37 merit badges, worked more than 1,000 hours of community service and helps lead a Boy Scout troop in his hometown.

But the 19-year-old has another distinction that may lead to his removal from the Boy Scouts: He's an atheist.

[...]
On membership applications, Boy Scouts and adult leaders must say they recognize some higher power, not necessarily religious. "Mother Nature would be acceptable," Farmer said.

As a private organization, the Boy Scouts are permitted to exclude certain people from membership. The organization bans gays and atheists.

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http://www.cnn.com/2002/US/West/10/31/atheist.scout....

"Darrell Lambert, a 19-year-old Eagle Scout, says he's been dismissed from the Boy Scouts for being an atheist.

Darrell Lambert: "Am I bitter? No. Disappointed? Yeah. We're in the 21st century. Our country was founded on religious freedom, and the Boy Scouts of America are still discriminating."
"

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/DailyNews/boyscou...