Utah Boy Scouts defer position on gay troops

A statue of a Boy Scout stands in front of the National Scouting Museum, Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – One of the largest Boy Scout councils in the country says its representatives will vote independently on lifting the gay ban for youth members.

The Great Salt Lake Council had been expected to take a unified position but instead announced Wednesday it will let 15 representatives vote their conscience at a BSA National Council in Texas the week of May 20.

The proposal would let gay youth join troops but continue to exclude gays as adult leaders.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced last month that it supports the new proposal, saying the Boy Scouts of America made a thoughtful, good-faith effort to address a complex issue. Almost all of Utah’s troops are sponsored by the church.

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!