Mormons on Board With Scouts' Half-Ban on Gays

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints likes allowing out scouts, but banning openly gay leaders.

Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.

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Neal Broverman

April 26 2013 11:18 AM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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The Mormon Church released a statement this week voicing their approval of the Boy Scouts of America continuing its ban on openly gay leaders, but opening up membership to out Scouts.

"The currest BSA proposal constructively addresses a number of important issues that have been part of the ongoing dialogue, including consistent standards for all BSA partners, recognition that Scouting exists to serve and benefit youth rather than Scout leaders, a single standard of moral purity for youth in the prograom, and a renewed emphasis for Scouts to honor their duty to God," the church said in a statement.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsors more Boy Scout troops than any other religious organization (read about their entangled relationship here). The BSA, meanwhile, will consider their policy change next month at a meeting in Texas.