Boy Scouts Expected To Officially End Ban On Gay Leaders
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- The Boy Scouts of America are expected to ratify a resolution to lift the organization's ban on gay adult leaders.
Monday, the National Executive Board is meeting to ratify a resolution passed earlier this month to allow adults of any sexual orientation to serve as troop leaders, volunteers and employees.
The resolution is regarded as a momentous step for the organization that, until recently, banned openly gay youths and adults from participation. The ban on gay youths was lifted in 2013, but gay adults were not allowed to serve as counselors or troop leaders.
In a statement released last May during BSA's national annual meeting, president Robert Gates cited "rapid changes in society and increasing legal challenges at the federal, state, and local levels," as justification for the move.
The new policy allows church-run troops to choose leaders "whose beliefs are consistent with their own." Seventy percent of scout troops are sponsored by churches.
"Scouting will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth to help them grow into good, strong citizens. By focusing on the goals that unite us, we are able to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve," said Gates.
