As a result of the recent Federal legalization of gay marriage, Boy Scouts of America (BSA) announced on July 27 that it is lifting its ban on gay adults leaders.

The executive board voted forty-five to twelve in favor of the change, which had been in the works for weeks after adopting a resolution on July 13, stating “no adult applicant for registration as an employee or non-unit-serving volunteer, who otherwise meets the requirements of the Boy Scouts of America, may be denied registration on the basis of sexual orientation.”  The resolution lifts the ban across the board on openly gay leaders and volunteers in the Scouts and allows previously removed leaders to re-apply for positions.

Some LGBTQ advocacy groups believe that this resolution does not reach far enough, as religiously sponsored troops and local troops can still choose their own leaders.

“Today’s vote by the Boy Scouts of America to allow gay, lesbian and bisexual adults to work and volunteer is a welcome step toward erasing a stain on this important organization,” stated  Chad Griffin, the HR campaign president. “Including an exemption for troops sponsored by religious organizations undermines and diminishes the historic nature of today’s decision. Discrimination should have no place in the Boy Scouts, period.”

Some religious organizations and other sponsors believe that the decision goes too far.  The Church of Latter-Day Saints, one of the Scouts’ largest sponsors, have decided to keep its affiliation with the Scouts, but only after a lengthy re-evaluation of the relationship.

“The Church has always welcomed all boys to its Scouting units regardless of sexual orientation,” read a statement from the church.  “However, the admission of openly gay leaders is inconsistent with the doctrines of the Church and what have traditionally been the values of the Boy Scouts of America.”

Thomas Lents, a Washington Eagle Scout and adult leader himself, is no stranger to the political side of the BSA that many scouts are not aware of.

“Scouts are here to learn the skills, they’re not told about changes being considered by the organization, or the politics,” said Lents. “I hope (other scouts) don’t have to get involved (in the politics).  It gets really ugly, and it shouldn’t be the focus of what they learn.”

Lents was in Missouri when the Supreme Court’s decision on gay marriage passed, and witnessed reactions from other Scout leaders.  “I have witnessed things that are shocking.  The decision was definitely a reaction to what happened in the Supreme Court.”  

According to him, the recent resolution has shaken the organization to its core, further splitting the Scout troops into three “groups”: locally led troops, troops on military bases, and troops sponsored by religious organizations. The Church of Latter-Day Saints, having a notable stake as charters in the organization, raised concern about the decision being made in a time where church officials were out of their offices, despite a request to delay the vote.

“While I can understand the exemptions for local and religiously led troops to still choose leaders based on their beliefs, a unified policy would better bring the Boy Scouts together.  The core values of the Scouts are teaching these boys life skills and positive values.  The sexuality of their leaders shouldn’t be a factor.”

Lents believes that, in the long run, this resolution will be a positive change for the Boy Scouts, and though there is still work to be done, is a good step in the right direction of making all boys feel welcome as members of the Scouts.