Boy Scouts to now accept transgender youth.
IRVING, Texas (WordNews.org) Jan. 30, 2017 – The Boy Scouts of America have announced they will now allow children who “identify” as boys to become Boy Scouts, the leadership announced Monday.
“Starting today, we will accept and register youth in the Cub and Boy Scout programs based on the gender identity indicated on the application,” said Michael Surbaugh, Chief Scout Executive. “Our organization’s local councils will help find units that can provide for the best interest of the child.”
Surbaugh acknowledged it was a significant departure from the way the Scouts have done things in the past.
“For more than 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America, along with schools, youth sports and other youth organizations, have ultimately deferred to the information on an individual’s birth certificate to determine eligibility for our single-gender programs,” he said. “However, that approach is no longer sufficient as communities and state laws are interpreting gender identity differently, and these laws vary widely from state to state.”
He said he believes the move will “help us truly serve the whole family.”
Watch Surbaugh’s statement:
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