LDS Church Responds To Boy Scouts’ Decision Ending Ban Of Gay Leaders
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – July 13, 2015- (Gephardt Daily) – The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints has issued a response to Monday’s decision by the Boy Scouts of America ending its ban of gay scout leaders.
The Church’s reaction came shortly after the Executive Committee of the Boy Scouts of America made the announcement saying a newly approved resolution allows its chartered organizations to select leaders without regard to sexual orientation.
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The official BSA statement is as follows:
“As a result of the rapid changes in society and increasing legal challenges at the federal, state, and local levels, on Friday, July 10, the Boy Scouts of America Executive Committee adopted a resolution amending the adult leadership standards policy. The resolution was unanimously adopted by those present and voting.
“This resolution will allow chartered organizations to select adult leaders without regard to sexual orientation, continuing scouting’s longstanding policy of chartered organizations selecting their leaders. The National Executive Board will meet to ratify this resolution on Monday, July 27. “
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was quick to respond to the Boy Scouts of America resolution, releasing the following statement Monday:
“As a chartering organization, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has always had the right to select Scout leaders who adhere to moral and religious principles that are consistent with our doctrines and beliefs. Any resolution adopted by the Boy Scouts of America regarding leadership in scouting must continue to affirm that right.”
The BSA’s changes allows scouting members and parents to select local units, chartered to organizations with similar beliefs, that best meet the needs of their families. This change also respects the right of religious chartered organizations to continue to choose adult leaders whose beliefs are consistent with their own. The 2013 youth membership policy will not be affected and remains unchanged.
The BSA announcement adds: “Scouting will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth to help them grow into good, strong citizens. By focusing on the goals that unite us, we are able to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve.”
