MRH Scout Leader Disappointed National Leadership Delays Decision on Admitting Gays

The Boy Scouts of America have delayed its decision on whether or not to change its policy excluding gay members and leaders, the St. Louis Post Dispatch has reported.

The article states that the policy will not be voted on until the group’s annual meeting in May.

Deron Smith, the BSA director of public relations, made to following statement.

“After careful consideration and extensive dialogue within the Scouting family, along with comments from those outside the organization, the volunteer officers of the Boy Scouts of America's National Executive Board concluded that due to the complexity of this issue, the organization needs time for a more deliberate review of its membership policy.”

The delay doesn't sit well with one BSA leader sponsored by the Maplewood-Richmond Heights Elementary PTO.

"The committee of Crew 2362 is bitterly disappointed in the cowardice displayed today by our national leadership," said Jason Meyers, an adviser for the High Adventure Venturing Crew 2362.

Venturing is for boys and girls ages 13 and 14.

"Consistent with the values of acceptance and inclusion espoused by our Chartering Organization, the Maplewood-Richmond Heights Elementary PTO, the leadership of our Crew has always felt that restrictions on membership due to sexual orientation or gender identity are wrong, and not in keeping with the values of the Boy Scouts of America," Meyers said.

Meyers told Patch through Facebook that the board delayed the vote due to pressure from religious groups.

"We hope someday soon the national board will come to their senses, and join the rest of us in the 21st century," Meyers said.