Local Boy Scout leaders are working through the national policy passed last week to accept openly homosexual scouts starting January first.
Troop 977 Committee Member Bill Birdwell says the Sam Houston Area Council that covers the Brazos Valley voted against the policy, but now will be working with local troops in preparation.
Birdwell says there were several meetings before the policy passed, and although the previous meeting was about homosexual leaders, this policy actually only covers scouts.
He says they’ll accept any boy who wants to be a member, and it shouldn’t be a major issue because they’ve never questioned boys about their orientation anyway.
Birdwell says there are about 15 scout troops and at least 15 cub scout packs in Bryan-College Station, and he’s unaware of any local boys wanting to join or leave based on their orientation, or groups removing or offering sponsorships locally.
He says Boy Scouts will continue to implement youth protection policies and teach scouts and leaders how to behave appropriately on camping trips and in meetings, and that this policy change is mostly about politics, sponsorships, and the Boy Scouts possibly losing their tax exemption.
Bill Birdwell visits with WTAW’s Kat McMullen