Jan 30, 2013
Equality NC Responds: Boy Scouts Consider Ending National Anti-Gay Policies
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is asking for your input on whether it should end its decades-old ban on gay Scouts and Scout leaders. Take Action! Help bring equality to the Boy Scouts at http://www.glaad.org/scouts/tellbsa.
On Monday, a spokesperson for the national Boy Scouts of America (BSA) announced that the organization will soon consider ending their controversial anti-gay policies regarding national membership and leadership.
“Currently, the BSA is discussing potentially removing the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation,” said spokesperson Deron Smith. “This would mean there would no longer be any national policy regarding sexual orientation, and the chartered organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting would accept membership and select leaders consistent with each organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs. BSA members and parents would be able to choose a local unit that best meets the needs of their families.”
The new policy, now under discussion, would eliminate the ban from the national organization’s rules, while still leaving local sponsoring organizations the freedom to decide whether to admit gay scouts.
“The Boy Scouts would not, under any circumstances, dictate a position to units, members, or parents,” Smith said. “Under this proposed policy, the BSA would not require any chartered organization to act in ways inconsistent with that organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs.”
“The Boy Scouts of America appear to be taking an initial, but important step toward full inclusion,” said Stuart Campbell, executive director of Equality NC. “Nevertheless, by allowing localities to set their own policies of exclusion, the BSA is passing the buck by not leading from the front. We encourage this iconic, American institution to adopt a more comprehensive policy that embraces the very American value of full equality.”