Boy Scouts Considering Easing No-Gays Policy
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) — Will the Boy Scouts soon be welcoming gay youth into their group? The Irving-based organization may toss its long-standing policy against openly gay members.
This "possible change" comes after months of protest.
2012 was quite possibly the year the scouts were hammered hardest for excluding members because of their sexual orientation.
The Boys Scouts of America wouldn't go on camera to talk about it. But they did hand out a statement saying, "Currently, the BSA is discussing potentially removing the national membership restriction on sexual orientation. That means there would be no national policy. Local troops and parents will decide what they want to do."
Vonn Trimble is seven years old. This is his first year in the Cub Scouts. His mom, Sara Eddy, isn't going to take him if the Boys Scouts of America lifts the ban on gay members or leaders.
"I'm not concerned that they're going to molest him or anything. They do what they can to look out for that," she said. Eddy's own sister is openly gay. "This day and age, I think it's outdated to discriminate against somebody just because of their sexual orientation," Eddy said.
The Boy Scout ban on gay members is decades old. The organization most recently affirmed it back in September. They say current discussions would not make a place or troop go against their mission, principles or religious beliefs.
Though Vonn's troop meets in a school, they pray at their meetings.
The Boys Scouts of America say members and parents would be able to choose a local unit that best meets the needs of their families.
"I believe that you're born gay and being around gays isn't going to turn you gay," Eddy said.
Gay Rights Groups have campaigned for change over the past year, collecting more than a million signatures. They hail the potential change as a step in the right direction.
The Boy Scouts of America could make their official announcement on the change as early as next week.
(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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