Important Information on Adult Leadership Policy Change

On Monday, July 27, the National Executive Board ratified a resolution that removes the national restriction on openly gay adult leaders and employees. The resolution was recommended for ratification by the Executive Committee earlier this month. Of those present and voting, 79 percent voted in favor of the resolution.

Watch the video below to hear the important message from Dr. Robert M. Gates on the adult leadership policy change and read his remarks here. 

We understand this change may generate discussion and questions among your important audiences—volunteers, chartered organizations, friends, and others. To assist you in these discussions, read on to understand five key facts about adult leadership standards.

1. The National Executive Board ratified a resolution that removes the national restriction on openly gay adult leaders and employees. The resolution is effective immediately.

2. Chartered organizations will continue to select their adult leaders. Religious chartered organizations may continue to use religious beliefs as criteria for selecting adult leaders, including matters of sexuality.

3. Scouting’s members and parents may continue to select local units, chartered to organizations with similar beliefs, that best meet the needs of their families.

4. The youth membership policy adopted in 2013 is not affected by this resolution and remains unchanged.

5. The ideals and principles of “duty to God” and “a Scout is reverent” set forth in the Scout Oath and Scout Law remain central to Scouting.

What It Means

For the BSA: Scouting is not an appropriate environment to discuss sexual conduct. While there is no national or local council restriction on openly gay adults serving as leaders or employees, everyone agrees to follow national policies and comply with the BSA’s behavioral standards.

For Youth: Scouting is a youth program and no youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference.

For Families: Parents can select units, chartered to organizations with similar beliefs, that best meet the needs of their families.

For Adult Leaders: Unit leaders may apply for positions in units chartered to organizations with similar beliefs. At the district level and above, there is no restriction on openly gay adults serving as leaders.

For Chartered Organizations: They will continue to select adult leaders, and religious chartered organizations may use religious beliefs as criteria for selecting adult leaders, including matters of sexuality.

Moving forward, our movement will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth, helping them grow into good, strong citizens. By focusing on the goals that unite us, we are able to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this policy change, questions and comments should be directed at feedback@scouting.org. You can also visit http://scoutingnewsroom.org/boy-scouts-of-america-amends-adult-leadership-policy for more information.