Girl Scouts denies teaching religion amid scrutiny of Muslim faith awards, mosque visits

Girl Scouts of the USA has responded to reports alleging that mosque-based troops incorporated Islamic prayer and hijab lessons, asserting that these optional programs are run independently by outside faith organizations. The organization clarified that while they welcome girls of all faiths and offer a pin for girls to connect scouting with their own faith, any faith-specific patches are developed by external groups, not GSUSA. Critics argue that faith-specific badges could exclude girls who do not share the required beliefs, while organizations like American Heritage Girls emphasize their upfront disclosure of religious programming.

• Girl Scouts of the USA denies teaching religion and states that outside faith organizations independently run optional programs.
• GSUSA’s “My Promise, My Faith” pin allows girls to connect the Girl Scout Law with their own faith.
• Faith-specific patches are developed by independent faith organizations, not GSUSA, and participation is optional.
• GSUSA materials acknowledge approved religious-recognition programs created by faith groups, including Islamic recognitions.
• Critics, such as Moms for Liberty, argue that faith-specific badges may exclude girls of different faiths.
• Reports cited programs in various states involving local troops, councils, and faith organizations.
• American Heritage Girls, a Christian scouting organization, emphasizes its upfront disclosure of Christ-centered programming.