Boys Scouts Of America Board To Vote On Ending Gay Ban

American-FlagIt’s been reported that the board of the Boy Scouts of America is to vote on lifting its ban on on gay members and leaders.

The controversial ban could soon come to an end if board members decide to lift it. NBC News reports that the national leadership of the Boy Scouts of America is in the final stages of changing policy and if approved by the board would allow gay members and gay leaders once more.

However, if the board does approve the change that doesn’t mean the ban on gay members and leaders will end completely. That’s because local chapters will still have the ability to continue the ban if they chose to. On that particular issue Deron Smith, a spokesperson for the BSA, said “BSA members and parents would be able to choose a local unit that best meets the needs of their families…This would mean there would no longer be any national policy regarding sexual orientation, and the chartered organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting would accept membership and select leaders consistent with each organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs”

The move towards ending the federal ban on gay members and leaders has been welcomed by Zach Wahls, the founder of Scouts for Equality, who described it as “a step in the right direction”. According to Scouts for Equality 11 of the 300 local councils in America have already taken a stand against the ban.

[Written by Martha Kirkpatrick, source Gay Star News]