Ban on gays in Scouts could be on way out

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - The Boy Scouts of America, one of the nation’s largest youth organizations, is considering lifting its longstanding ban against gay members and leaders.

Some people consider this an issue of equality, especially in Northampton, which has traditionally been a community known for its acceptance of gay people.

Still, the possibility of a change in national policy does not mean that all Boy Scout chapters will allow gay scouts and scout leaders. More than half of all Scout troops are chartered to faith-based organizations; some of which consider homosexuality a sin. 

Most of the remaining Scout troops are chartered civic groups, which may have varying opinions on gay rights issues.

The Scouts are considering allowing these sponsors to decide for themselves how to address the matter. The move would eliminate the national policy regarding sexual orientation, which has caused gay members and leaders to be banned from the century-old organization. 

We spoke to one former Boy Scout, who says that the proposed changes are a good start.

“Allowing charter organizations to make decisions is certainly the best thing for the Boy Scouts of America as a whole, and I think that leaves room for that progress to happen as people's minds change,” Eric Berlin of Amherst said.

The Scouts' board could make a decision as early as next week.