The Boy Scouts of America may soon be welcoming gay members with open arms. Well, that could be a bit strong. Let’s just say change may be in the wind as far as their long-standing policy banning gay boy scouts and troop leaders.
The issue is scheduled to be addressed at next week’s national annual board meeting. Deron Smith, a spokesperson for the Boy Scouts of America, said in a statement,
"The policy change under discussion would allow the religious, civic, or educational organizations that oversee and deliver scouting to determine how to address this issue. The Boy Scouts would not, under any circumstances, dictate a position to units, members or parents. 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.”
As recently as seven months ago, after a two-year review, the Boys Scouts of America decided to keep its policy of membership restrictions based on sexual orientation. It concluded that maintaining the ban was "absolutely the best policy for the Boy Scouts.”
The Boy Scouts of America has 2.7 million members. President Barack Obama, honorary head of the Scouts, supports gays and lesbians in Girl and Boy Scouts.
Do you think this is a step in the right direction for the Boy Scouts of America?
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