STATEMENT FROM FAMILY EQUALITY COUNCIL REGARDING BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA VOTE
Washington, DC – (May 23, 2013) – Family Equality Council, the national organization that connects, supports and represents the three million parents in our country who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and their six million children today issued the following statement following a decision by the Boy Scouts of America to end their long-standing ban on gay youth but continue to ban gay leaders including parents.
“Every Boy Scout, on their honor, first pledges to do their best,” said Family Equality Council Spokesman Steve Majors. “This is a step in the right direction, but it’s not the best the Boy Scouts can do. The Boy Scouts of America have sent a hurtful message to Scouts with LGBT parents that their moms and dads are not welcome as leaders alongside other parents. As a father of two girl scouts and the proud partner of an Eagle Scout, I know that Scouting has a long tradition of being a family activity and the Boy Scouts should be open to all our families.”
“Let’s also not forget this decision also affects gay Scouts who will be prevented from serving as adult leaders,” added Majors. “There is nothing honorable about discriminating against Scouts after they reach a certain age. Family Equality Council remains proud of the work that Zach Wahls, our Outspoken Generation co-chair, and parents like Jennifer Tyrrell have done to change the hearts and minds of the Boy Scouts on this issue. We look forward to the day when Scouting becomes an institution equally open to all Americans.”
Contact: Steve Majors | Communications Director |202.664.0079 |smajors@familyequality.org