Boy Scouts ready for move to allow gay scouts from 2014

[onehandle]

Source: Reuters

(Reuters) - The Boy Scouts of America will allow openly gay scouts for the first time as of January 1, with the century-old group facing conservative dissent from within for making the change and criticism from rights groups for not going far enough. Some of those upset by the change have joined socially conservative groups such as start-up Trail Life USA, which says "any sexual activity outside the context of the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman is sinful before God" and runs counter to its core values.

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has also taken a financial hit, with some prominent corporate sponsors withdrawing support over the group's decision to keep in place a ban on homosexuals from serving as adult leaders. This month, Lockheed Martin Corp, the top U.S. defense contractor, said it had halted donations to the Boy Scouts because of policies to exclude some gays from its ranks.

BSA spokesman Deron Smith said the group is still strong, with only a few breaking away from its ranks. "We're pleased that the overwhelming majority of our members, families and chartered organizations remain committed to the Boy Scouts of America," Smith told Reuters.

Ahead of the change, BSA set up new guidelines on matters such as maintaining privacy when it comes to showering, dressing and sleeping arrangements. The policy change was adopted in May 2013 by a majority vote of the BSA's National Council, lifting the ban on openly gay scouts in the face of intense social pressure.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/01/us-usa-boyscouts-idUSBRE9BU0N720140101

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I predict that the GOPNRA will start the peniscentric 'Gun Scouts' in protest.

[indie9197]

1. Do you have to declare your sexuality to be in Boy Scouts?

Do kids ever come out that young? I know nothing of the subject personally.

[uppityperson]

4. Boy scouts goes from 11 yrs old, completed 5th grade, to 21 yrs old so yes. Kids do come out

and even if they didn't come out, they were unwelcome by the parent organization before. And supporters knew that, which affected many more kids.

[brooklynite]

2. Well, fine, as long as they're not ATHEIST Gay Scouts. They have to draw the line somewhere...

[Codeine]

5. We're way oogier than gays now.

And gay atheists? Beyond the pale, man.

[d_r]

3. give credit in the right direction

we are making progress. I'm 45 and we've made so much progress in my lifetime. Not far enough, need to farther, but making progress.