Boy Scouts Considering Dropping Ban on Gay Members

Big news coming from the Boy Scouts of America camp. Several news outlets have reported that the popular youth organization is considering dropping its ban on gay scouts and leaders. This comes as especially surprising, given this weekend’s news that BSA leaders demanded that a Maryland troop remove an inclusive clause on its website saying they would not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. And seven months ago the organization’s leaders made headlines when they voted to approve a ban on homosexuals. An official from the group, however, says an overwhelmingly negative response has forced them to shift gears: “We’re a grassroots organization. This is a response to what’s happening at the local level.”

NBC News reports that the new policy “would eliminate the ban from the national organization’s rules, leaving local sponsoring organizations free to decide for themselves whether to admit gay scouts.” It’s kind of disappointing in the same way that supporters of gay marriage say “leave it up to the states,” but it’s progress, nonetheless.

The BSA national board of directors are apparently in the final stages of making the decision. If approved, the news is expected to be announced early next week at a regularly scheduled board meeting. Keep an eye on G Philly. I’m following all the updates. Scouts honor!