Boy Scouts Ratify Resolution To Allow Gay Scoutmasters

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Boy Scouts of America ratified a resolution today that lifted the long-standing ban on gay adults serving as den leaders, scoutmasters and camp counselors.

The wonder of a campsite can be influential on young lives, but the power of that experience has been overshadowed for some time in the public's eye by the organization's long-held policy banning gays.

"A policy that says you are an abomination, or what you are is wrong in the eyes of god," said DeShanne Stokes with Scouts for Equity. "That's not helpful, friendly, courteous or kind."

Two years ago, the scouts lifted the ban on gay scouts, but left in place the ban on gays in adult leadership or employment.

Back in May, former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who is also the organization's president, said it was time for a change.

"We must deal with the world as it is, not as we might wish it to be," Gates said.

Under the new resolution, church-based units can continue to choose adult leaders whose, "beliefs are consistent with their own.

However, the decision bans discrimination based on sexual orientation on all of its paying jobs nationwide.

So what impact will this have on existing scouts? Some in scouting organizations, in troop and executive levels, told KDKA the change should be pretty seamless. The scouts will know that something has gone on, but as far as their daily activity in scouts, it will have little or no impact.

The Boy Scouts of America is celebrating its 105th anniversary this year.

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