Boy Scout Policy on Gays Doesn't Go Far Enough, Says L.A. Group

A Boy Scouts of America policy change that would admit gay boys should be extended to include gay adult volunteers and staff members, the Western Los Angeles County Council of the Scouts said today.

The council, which represents more than 14,000 local Scouts, is calling for a policy that would include gay Scout leaders as well as gay Scouts. The resolution to allow homosexual Scouts will be voted on this month by the 285 Boy Scout Councils across the country.

"Inclusion must be all-inclusive," said Alan Snyder, the WLACC's chairman of the board.

According to WLACC President Nick Thomas, there are more than 5,000 adult volunteers in the council who "should be judged on the basis of their character, not their sexual preference."

The vote will decide whether the Boy Scouts of America will admit gay youths or no gays at all. The current national policy excluding openly gay adults from BSA leadership is not addressed in the resolution and would remain unchanged.

The WLACC proposes amending the document to read: "No youth or adult shall be denied membership or a position in the Boys Scouts, whether as a leader, volunteer, or staff member, solely on the basis of their sexual orientation or preference."