Boy Scouts Proposes To Allow Gay Youth

The Boy Scouts organization has long been under pressure to change its ban on gay members. In a statement released Friday afternoon, the organization said it will propose a rule to allow gay youth membership, but it has decided to maintain its current ban on gay Scout leaders. In a written statement, the Scouts National Executive Board said the “issue remains among the most complex and challenging issues facing the BSA and society today.â€? Last July, Jennifer Tyrrell, of Bridgeport, delivered some 300,000 signatures to the Boy Scouts headquarters urging them to reinstate her. Tyrrell was dismissed from her role as her son's den leader because she is a lesbian. The Boy Scouts statement said while opinions vary most in the Scouting community agree that “youth should not be denied benefits of Scoutingâ€? [because of their sexuality]. The resolution will be voted on next month during the yearly national meeting.The Boy Scouts have long been under pressure to change its ban on homosexuals. In a written statement, the Scouts National Executive Board said the “issue remains among the most complex and challenging issues facing the BSA and society today. Even with the range of input, it is extremely difficult to accurately quantify the potential impact of maintaining or changing the current policy. “While perspectives and opinions vary significantly, parents, adults in the Scouting community, and teens alike tend to agree that youth should not be denied benefits of Scouting,â€? the BSA wrote. Scout members will vote on the resolution during the Boy Scouts of America’s National Annual Meeting next month. The Simon Kenton Council which represents Central Ohio Scouts declined comment for this story.