The Boy Scouts of America’s Executive Committee has unanimously approved a resolution ending the organization’s ban on gay adults.
The resolution comes less than two months after BSA president Robert Gates called on the organization to end the ban.
According to a press release from Scouts for Equality, the change will allow each individual troop or unit to self-determine policy regarding eligibility of openly gay or bisexual adults. The change would also prohibit regional governing councils or non-Troop entities (i.e boy scouts camps) from discriminating based on sexual orientation.
In addition, leaders who have previously been removed under the gay adult ban will be allowed to reapply for their position
“For decades, the Boy Scouts of America’s ban on gay adults has stood as a towering example of explicit, institutional homophobia in one of America’s most important and recognizable civic organizations.” said Scouts for Equality Executive Director Zach Wahls. “While this policy change is not perfect—BSA’s religious chartering partners will be allowed to continue to discriminate against gay adults—it is difficult to overstate the importance of today’s announcement.”
A vote by the BSA’s National Executive Board is expected July 27th. If ratified the policy change will be effective immediately.
Read the full resolution below:
