Boy Scouts Gay Policy Courageously Challenged By BSA California Chapter
Ryan Andresen, an openly gay former Boy Scout, has been recommended by a California chapter of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to be awarded the top rank of Eagle — reported Reuters.
The nomination is a direct and courageous challenge to the Boys Scouts of America's ban on LGBT members.
Bonnie Hazarabedian, who — according to Reuters — chaired the Boy Scout district review board that signed off on Ryan's Eagle Scout application and sent the recommendation to the national headquarters for final approval, said, "[this is the] first in-your-face [challenge to BSA's anti-LGBT policy]."
Meanwhile, Eric Andersen, father of Ryan Andresen, told Reuters, "from what I understand, this has never happened before."
The Andersen gained national attention last October after the Scoutmaster of 18-year-old Ryan refused to sign his Eagle Scout application because he is gay. The incident produced a Change.org petition signed by almost 500,000 users calling on Ryan's Scoutmaster to reconsider his decision.
Do you think Boys Scouts of America (BSA) will reconsider its anti-gay policy?