In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court decision Dale v. Boy Scouts of America confirmed the First Amendment rights of private organization in determining their membership ranks. This decision determined that private groups should not be forced to accept behaviors or beliefs that conflict with an organization’s values.

However, it is critical to note that the decision was 5-4. Three dissenting justices inferred that they may have voted with the majority if the Boy Scouts had an official written policy regarding homosexuals in leadership.

This means that Pregnancy Resource Centers may be vulnerable to legal attacks if they do not have a written statement on biblical qualifications for leadership and membership.

Therefore, to protect the organization, the Board of Directors should create such a written statement and make it available to all potential volunteers, staff and board members.

Standards may include:

• Respect of a Pro-life stance – There are different shades of a pro-life perspective, so the board should be very specific about the organization’s views on the definition of pro-life. This assures like-minded individuals join your organization.
• Statement of Faith – If your organization is Christian-based, volunteers, staff and board members must supply a written statement of faith outlining what they believe in.
• Scripture Qualifications – In addition to the statement of faith, Christian-based organizations can use scriptural qualifications found in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 as guidelines in developing the characteristics they want to see in their leadership.