A gay Boy Scout master has refused to abandon his position, despite the organization's demand that he step down after coming out.
Geoff McGrath, a leader from the Seattle area, is the first known subject of removal after the Boy Scouts of America initiated a policy allowing openly gay scouts while continuing to bar openly LGBT leaders starting in January.
The members of the group were informed of McGrath's sexual orientation before joining, and there had been no reported issues. The troop had even grown to incorporate a Cub Scout pack last fall. The families with children involved in the local troop, as well as the Rainier Beach United Methodist Church that hosts the troop, have announced support for McGrath. He said he would not issue his official resignation until he is essentially forced.
"Until I am relieved of my duty properly, I stand in my post," he said, according to TV station KING.
However, according to the report, Rainier Beach United Methodist Church is the only organization that can officially relive him from duty, though Rev. Dr. Monica Corsaro, the church's leader, has already stated that she supports McGrath.
"It's very disappointing that a policy that is so blatantly discriminatory is being acted out, and so I think it makes us stand more firm and be more clear that Geoffrey is our scoutmaster and Geoffrey will remain our scoutmaster," she said.
