Despite public support for diversity and inclusion by Boy Scouts of America board members and CEOs Jim Turley (Ernst & Young) and Randall Stephenson (AT&T), Boy Scouts of America has confirmed that it will uphold its controversial ban prohibiting membership to openly gay scouts and troop leaders.
The policy is described as akin to “don’t ask, don’t tell”: Boy Scouts of America “does not proactively inquire about the sexual orientation of employees, volunteers or members” but will not grant membership to “out” individuals or those engaging in same-sex behavior, according to spokesperson Deron Smith.
The Boy Scouts’ announcement is the result of an 11-member committee that met throughout a private two-year review. The committee cited “parental support” as the key factor in the resolution. There will be no further action or reconsideration on its membership policy.
