Former Eagle Scout Says New Gay Policy Doesn’t Go Far Enough

Aired 1/6/14 on KPBS Midday Edition.

Guests

Chance Kawar, former Eagle Scout, Troop 51-La Mesa

Tyler Dylan-Hyde, Scouts for Equality

The Boy Scouts of America's new policy on gay scouts is now in effect and the organization no longer denies membership based on sexual orientation.

National Scout leaders said the change will not effect troop sponsorship in most instances. In a statement Deron Smith, director, BSA Public Relations said:

"While we won't have recruitment information or membership numbers until next year, we're hearing from our councils that only a handful of chartered organizations have decided not to renew their sponsorship of troops. Current estimates are that between 98-99% of our units have not been impacted by the policy change."

But a few conservative faith-based organizations, included at least one here in San Diego, said they will stop sponsoring Scout Troops because of the change in policy.

On the other side of the coin, gay rights advocates continue to criticize the Boy Scout policy of banning gays from becoming adult scout leaders and continue to work for full equality within the Boy Scout organization.