Boy Scouts of America reconsidering ban on open homosexuality
Just six months after reaffirming their commitment to keeping open homosexuals out of the Boy Scouts , the national leaders of the organization have signaled that they may be about to change their minds. Last July, after a confidential, two-year review, an 11-member special committee made up of Scout executives and volunteers came to the unanimous conclusion that a national ban on openly gay scouts and leaders was “absolutely the best policy.” The Boy Scouts won a 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court ruling recognizing their right to ban homosexuals in 2000. But a spokesman for the Scouts said Monday they are considering dropping the national ban in favor of a policy allowing local scouting groups to determine their own policies. The change will be discussed next week by the organization's national board, the spokesman, Deron Smith, said. The Scouts did not provide a reason for the possible change, but in recent months, gay activists have turned up the pressure on the group. Zac