• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • About Towleroad
  • Towleroad on Social Media
  • Privacy Policy

Towleroad Gay News

Gay Blog Towleroad: More than gay news | gay men

  • Travel
  • Sports
  • Law/Justice
  • Celebrities
  • Republicans
  • Madonna
  • Books
  • Men
  • Trans Rights
  • Royals
  • Monkeypox
  • Honor the past and celebrate the present with PRIDE | Opinion
  • Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell ‘did not get enough in royalties’
  • Tom Cruise ‘Would Love to Meet Someone Special’ After 3 Divorces: ‘He Believes the Right Girl Is Out There’

Boy Scouts Votes to Lift Ban on Gay Members, Retain Ban on Gay Leaders

Andy Towle May 23, 2013

At their convention in Dallas, the 1,400 voting members of The Boy Scouts of America have voted 61% to 38% to approve a resolution lifting a ban on gay scouts. The ban would remain on gay leaders.

BsaYou can read the resolution that was voted on today here.

The Boy Scouts of America Statement:

"For 103 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been a part of the fabric of this nation, with a focus on working together to deliver the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.

"Based on growing input from within the Scouting family, the BSA leadership chose to conduct an additional review of the organization's long-standing membership policy and its impact on Scouting's mission. This review created an outpouring of feedback from the Scouting family and the American public, from both those who agree with the current policy and those who support a change.

"Today, following this review, the most comprehensive listening exercise in Scouting's history the approximate 1,400 voting members of the Boy Scouts of America's National Council approved a resolution to remove the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation alone. The resolution also reinforces that Scouting is a youth program, and any sexual conduct, whether heterosexual or homosexual, by youth of Scouting age is contrary to the virtues of Scouting. A change to the current membership policy for adult leaders was not under consideration; thus, the policy for adults remains in place. The BSA thanks all the national voting members who participated in this process and vote.

"This policy change is effective Jan. 1, 2014, allowing the Boy Scouts of America the transition time needed to communicate and implement this policy to its approximately 116,000 Scouting units.

"The Boy Scouts of America will not sacrifice its mission, or the youth served by the movement, by allowing the organization to be consumed by a single, divisive, and unresolved societal issue. As the National Executive Committee just completed a lengthy review process, there are no plans for further review on this matter.

"While people have different opinions about this policy, we can all agree that kids are better off when they are in Scouting. Going forward, our Scouting family will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth in order to help them grow into good, strong citizens. America's youth need Scouting, and by focusing on the goals that unite us, we can continue to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve."

Reactions from GLAAD and the Scouting allies who have been on the ground in Dallas:

"Today's vote is a significant victory for gay youth across the nation and a clear indication that the Boy Scouts' ban on gay adult leaders will also inevitably end," said GLAAD spokesperson, Rich Ferraro. "The Boy Scouts of America heard from religious leaders, corporate sponsors and so many Scouting families who want an end to discrimination against gay people, and GLAAD will continue this work with those committed to equality in Scouting until gay parents and adults are able to participate."

"When I was kicked out of the Boy Scouts last April, I was devastated." said Ohio mom Jennifer Tyrrell, who in April 2012, alongside GLAAD, reignited a national conversation about discrimination in Scouting after she was ousted as leader of her son's Cub Scout pack because she's gay. "Having to look my son, Cruz, in the eye and tell him that our family isn't good enough was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Today is truly a watershed moment for me, but even more so for the millions of kids across this country, who will now be allowed to serve in the Scouts without fear of rejection. I'm so proud of how far we've come, but until there's a place for everyone in Scouting, my work will continue."

"This is an historic day in the 103-year history of the Boy Scouts of America — the day it finally found its moral compass and started down the long trail to equality in Scouting," said former Kentucky father Greg Bourke, who was ousted as Scoutmaster of his son's Boy Scouts troop because he is gay. "No longer will gay Boy Scouts have to hide their sexual orientation from fear of being criticized and ousted from the Boy Scout membership rolls. That is definite progress, but even with this approved membership change, gay adults like Jennifer Tyrrell and myself will continue to be banned from serving in the Scouts, even in units with our own children. There is no other word for that except 'discrimination.'"

Andresen"We are relieved to hear that other Scouts will not have to suffer the rejection and expulsion that Ryan experienced, and we’re glad to see that the BSA is finally starting to see how harmful its discriminatory policies have been," said Eric Andresen, who along with his wife Karen, launched a petition on Change.org in support of their son Ryan. "Had this policy been in place just 8 months ago, Ryan would already be an Eagle Scout, and he could've avoided so much pain."

"Just a few hours ago, I was thinking that today could be my last day as a Boy Scout. Obviously, for gay Scouts like me, this vote is life-changing," said Pascal Tessier, whose petition on Change.org received more than 128,000 signatures. “Like my brother before me, I now have a chance to earn my Eagle award — something that’s taken most of my life to achieve. Finally, Scouts are no longer forced to choose between upholding the Scout Oath and being open and honest about who they really are as a person."

“Today’s vote ending discrimination of gay Scouts is truly a historic moment and demonstrates the Boy Scouts of America’s commitment to creating a more inclusive organization,” said Zach Wahls, Eagle Scout and Founder of Scouts for Equality. “Scouts for Equality is honored to be a part of the movement that has achieved a tremendous victory towards the fight for equality in America and we are proud to call ourselves Scouts. We look forward to the day where we can celebrate inclusion of all members and are committed to continuing our work until that occurs.”

Topics: History, Nature/Climate More Posts About: Julie Bindel

Related Posts
  • Friday Morning News: NC, Bernie Sanders, Drone Magic, Zayn, Freddy Got Fingered
  • Ontario Becomes First Canadian Province To Ban Conversion Therapy For LGBT Youth: VIDEO
  • Patrick Stewart Announces Support For Northern Ireland Anti-Gay Ashers Bakery: VIDEO
  • Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell ‘did not get enough in royalties’

    Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell ‘did not get enough in royalties’

    Published by BANG Showbiz English Candace Bushnell “did not get the royalties she deserved” for ‘Sex and the City’. The 64-year-old author wrote a column for The New York Observer that was adapted into the bestselling …Read More »
  • Tom Cruise ‘Would Love to Meet Someone Special’ After 3 Divorces: ‘He Believes the Right Girl Is Out There’

    Tom Cruise ‘Would Love to Meet Someone Special’ After 3 Divorces: ‘He Believes the Right Girl Is Out There’

    Published by OK Magazine mega Tom Cruise is back on the prowl! The three-time divorced movie star has reportedly been in search of a new woman after being single for about a year. mega “Tom would …Read More »
  • Scores detained in Hong Kong on Tiananmen crackdown anniversary

    Scores detained in Hong Kong on Tiananmen crackdown anniversary

    Published by Reuters By Jessie Pang and Ben Blanchard HONG KONG/TAIPEI (Reuters) -Hong Kong police searched and detained scores of people on Sunday, including four arrested for “seditious” intent, as authorities tightened security for the 34th …Read More »
  • Kim Cattrall’s ‘Stipulations’ for ‘And Just Like That’ Cameo Revealed: ‘Refused to Film With Her Former Costars’ Including Sarah Jessica Parker

    Kim Cattrall’s ‘Stipulations’ for ‘And Just Like That’ Cameo Revealed: ‘Refused to Film With Her Former Costars’ Including Sarah Jessica Parker

    Published by OK Magazine mega Before Kim Cattrall could sign on to appear in And Just Like That Season 2, she had some demands that had to be met, including how she refused to film with …Read More »
Previous Post: « Towleroad Guide to the Tube #1374
Next Post: Ukrainian Court Cancels Gay Pride March »

Primary Sidebar

Adjacent News

  • Tennessee pride celebrations showcase queer joy amid neo-Nazi threats, legal attacks

    Tennessee pride celebrations showcase queer joy amid neo-Nazi threats, legal attacks

  • ‘It’s about self-care’: Lady Gaga thinks make-up can benefit mental health

    ‘It’s about self-care’: Lady Gaga thinks make-up can benefit mental health

  • Pregnant transgender man featured on cover of Glamour magazine

    Pregnant transgender man featured on cover of Glamour magazine

Good Trash: Going to Read It Somewhere, Y'know

  • Kelly Ripa Savagely Exposes Andy Cohen After He Sent Her a ‘Completely Erect’ NSFW Photo From Potential Suitor

    Kelly Ripa Savagely Exposes Andy Cohen After He Sent Her a ‘Completely Erect’ NSFW Photo From Potential Suitor

  • Elliot Page reveals he was told by A-list actor: ‘I’m going to f*** you to make you realise you aren’t gay’

    Elliot Page reveals he was told by A-list actor: ‘I’m going to f*** you to make you realise you aren’t gay’

  • Andy Cohen Admits Further Plastic Surgery Discussions Were Cut From ‘KUWTK’ Reunion Special: ‘People Would Be Really Surprised’

    Andy Cohen Admits Further Plastic Surgery Discussions Were Cut From ‘KUWTK’ Reunion Special: ‘People Would Be Really Surprised’

Partner Links

  • Prince Harry skipped the first day of the Mirror trial, he only flew in late last night
  • King Charles is giving up Llwynywermod, his 192-acre estate in Wales
  • Morning Round-Up: Elliot Page; Robert Garcia; David Burtka; Jake Shears; WeHo Pride; Julio Rodriguez & more!
  • We Have The Same Paws!
  • Putin Puppet Calls For 'Final Solution' In Ukraine

Most Recent

  • Honor the past and celebrate the present with PRIDE | Opinion

    Honor the past and celebrate the present with PRIDE | Opinion

  • Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell ‘did not get enough in royalties’

    Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell ‘did not get enough in royalties’

  • Tom Cruise ‘Would Love to Meet Someone Special’ After 3 Divorces: ‘He Believes the Right Girl Is Out There’

    Tom Cruise ‘Would Love to Meet Someone Special’ After 3 Divorces: ‘He Believes the Right Girl Is Out There’

  • Scores detained in Hong Kong on Tiananmen crackdown anniversary

    Scores detained in Hong Kong on Tiananmen crackdown anniversary

  • Kim Cattrall’s ‘Stipulations’ for ‘And Just Like That’ Cameo Revealed: ‘Refused to Film With Her Former Costars’ Including Sarah Jessica Parker

    Kim Cattrall’s ‘Stipulations’ for ‘And Just Like That’ Cameo Revealed: ‘Refused to Film With Her Former Costars’ Including Sarah Jessica Parker

  • Thai PM frontrunner attends Pride parade, promising same-sex marriage, gender identity rights

    Thai PM frontrunner attends Pride parade, promising same-sex marriage, gender identity rights

  • Kim Cattrall has ‘moved on’ from Sex and the City

    Kim Cattrall has ‘moved on’ from Sex and the City

  • Eddie Izzard says they are now called ‘Suzy’ and don’t mind being called ‘she, her, he, or him’

    Eddie Izzard says they are now called ‘Suzy’ and don’t mind being called ‘she, her, he, or him’

Most Commented

Social

Twitter @tlrd | Facebook | Instagram @tlrd

Footer

Copyright © 2023 · Log in

×