(WTVR) – The Boy Scouts of America announced they will begin accepting openly gay youths into their program starting on New Year’s Day.
Because of this change, some churches have dropped their sponsorship, but the major sponsors, such as the Roman Catholic and Mormon churches, will maintain their ties.
The organization approved the new policy in May, with 60 percent of the 1,400 voting members of the BSA’s National Council. Although the BSA will now allow gay youths, openly gay adults are still prohibited from holding leadership positions.
There are also some other limitations to the new policy.
According to a BSA document, “No member may use Scouting to promote or advance any social or political position or agenda, including on the matter of sexual orientation.” That means the BSA will not participate in any gay-pride parades. The organization also prohibits Scout members from advocating or promoting their sexual orientation.
