News (USA)

Mormons may create alternative scouting organization

Mormons may create alternative scouting organization
The BSA's decision to lift the ban on gay leaders may motivate the LDS Church to sever ties with the organization.
The BSA’s decision to lift the ban on gay leaders may motivate the LDS Church to sever ties with the organization.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is seriously considering breaking off from the Boy Scouts of America after the group’s vote to allow “openly gay leaders” into its ranks. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, spokesman Eric Hawkins says the LDS may create “its own international program for boys.”

Were the church to follow through, it could financially impact the BSA quite dramatically, as the LDS serves 437,160 boys in 37,933 troops and is the organization’s largest Scouting sponsor.

As a “global organization with members in 170 countries, the church has long been evaluating the limitations that fully one-half of its youth face where Scouting is not available,” Hawkins’ statement said. “Those worldwide needs combined with this vote by the BSA National Executive Board will be carefully reviewed by the leaders of the church in the weeks ahead.”

Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Leslie Jordan throws coffee at men screaming antigay slurs inside WeHo Starbucks

Previous article

Indiana convention’s CEO calls for broader LGBT protections

Next article