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Boy Scouts Confirm Discussion To Remove Ban On Gays

Boy Scouts of America

The Irving-based Boy Scouts of America says it's discussing actions that would end the national organization's ban on gay scouts and gay scout leaders. The Scouts' National Executive Board is scheduled to meet next week in Irving.

Here's the Scouts' official statement:

MEDIA STATEMENT

Boy Scouts of America

Monday, January 28, 2013

Attributable to: Deron Smith, Director of Public Relations

“For more than 100 years Scouting’s focus has been on working together to deliver the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.  Scouting has always been in an ongoing dialogue with the Scouting family to determine what is in the best interest of the organization and the young people we serve. 

“Currently, the BSA is discussing potentially removing the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation.  This would mean there would no longer be any national policy regarding sexual orientation, but that the chartered organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting would accept membership and select leaders consistent with their organization’s mission, principles or religious beliefs.  BSA members and parents would be able to choose a local unit which best meets the needs of their families. 

“The policy change under discussion would allow the religious, civic or educational organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting to determine how to address this issue.  The Boy Scouts would not, under any circumstances, dictate a position to units, members or parents.  Under this proposed policy, the BSA would not require any chartered organization to act in ways inconsistent with that organization’s mission, principles or religious beliefs.” 

The story broke this morning on NBC

Former KERA staffer Shelley Kofler was news director, managing editor and senior reporter. She is an award-winning reporter and television producer who previously served as the Austin bureau chief and legislative reporter for North Texas ABC affiliate WFAA-TV.