The Boy Scouts of America’s executive committee has unanimously agreed to end the organization’s ban on gay leaders. If the agreement is approved by the Boy Scouts’ national board later this month, then individual scout units can decide whether or not to allow gay leaders.
David Knapp is an 88-year-old Eagle Scout, gay activist, and former scout leader from Guilford, Connecticut. He was kicked out of the Scouts in the 90s for being gay.
“I was totally shocked and deeply hurt and very angry and still am,” he said. “And so I did not expect the boy scouts to change the policy in my lifetime.”
Knapp says even though the Boy Scouts’ decision is a step towards becoming more gay-friendly, some scout units would still be able to decide not to allow gay leaders.
The Boy Scouts’ executive committee voted to end the ban on Monday. Two years ago, the Connecticut chapter of the Boy Scouts decided to ignore the national ban on gay leaders, and to welcome scout leaders regardless of their sexuality.