The Boy Scouts of America announced Wednesday they may consider a resolution that would allow gay adult leaders to participate in individual units. A spokesman says that although the proposal will be reviewed, there is no expectation of the ban to be lifted in the imminent future, reports The Huffington Post.
The resolution was initiated by a Scout leader in April and it was later proposed at this year’s Scouts’ national meeting in Orlando, Fla. The resolution stands to be reviewed by a subcommittee which will make its recommendation to the national board. The decision is expected in May 2013.
Deron Smith, spokesperson for the Boy Scouts of America, said Wednesday there are no immediate plans to rescind the organization’s ban against gays in the near future.
A petition of over 275,000 names in support of gay and lesbian Scout leaders was presented at last week’s national meeting in addition to the resolution. LGBT activist and fellow Eagle Scout Zach Wahls – who famously spoke about gay marriage to Iowan political leaders — backed the petition by spearheading its efforts on Change.org.
“Up to the day they end this policy, they’ll be saying they have no plans to do so,” Wahls said. “But there’s no question it’s costing the Boy Scouts in terms of membership and public support.”
