The Boy Scouts of America

Boy Scouts of America votes to end century-old ban on gay scouts

Thomson ReutersMay 23, 2013 20:01

By Marice Richter GRAPEVINE, Texas (Reuters) - The Boy Scouts of America voted on Thursday to lift a century-old ban on openly gay scouts in a major victory for gay rights activists, but the decision means a sea of change for an organization that depends heavily on faith-based groups. More than 60 percent of the group's National Council, comprised of some 1,400 delegates, voted in favor of ending the ban, effective January 1, 2014, the group said in a statement. A prohibition on openly gay adult leaders remains in place.

Activists rally ahead of Boy Scouts vote on gay youth ban

Thomson ReutersMay 23, 2013 00:00

By Marice Richter GRAPEVINE, Texas (Reuters) - Gay rights activists and members of conservative groups gathered in the Texas town of Grapevine on Wednesday where Boy Scouts of America delegates were expected to vote at a national meeting to lift its ban on gay youth membership. More than 1,400 delegates are expected to pass a resolution on Thursday to lift the ban, according to Boy Scouts officials. The vote comes about three months after members of the executive board delayed a decision on loosening the ban.

Most Americans say Boy Scouts should drop gay ban -poll

Thomson ReutersFebruary 6, 2013 13:00

Feb 6 (Reuters) - The Boy Scouts of America has delayed its vote until May but a national poll released on Wednesday showed the public has made up its mind, saying the youth group's ban on gay members must end. By a margin of 55 percent to 33 percent, respondents to the telephone poll by Quinnipiac University said the century-old youth organization should drop its policy against openly gay members.