News (USA)

Scott Walker on the Boy Scouts’ ban on gay leaders

Scott Walker on the Boy Scouts’ ban on gay leaders
Republican presidential candidate Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker
Republican presidential candidate Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker AP Photo, Nati Harnik

WASHINGTON –— Republican presidential contender Scott Walker is clearly struggling with the issue of gay Boy Scout leaders.

The Boy Scouts of America has taken steps to end the blanket ban on gay adult leaders and let Scout units set their own policy.

That prompted Wisconsin’s governor to express support for the ban. The governor told the Independent Journal Review website the ban “protected children and advanced Scout values.”

Afterward, he tried to clarify the statement, saying he did not mean physical protection from gay leaders but protection of boys from the public debate.

Now, though, he’s no longer saying the ban should remain. He says that’s for the scouting organization to decide.

Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Walker also said he doesn’t know whether being gay is a choice.

© 2015, Associated Press, All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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

Celebrating 40 years, Richmond Lesbian Feminists were there for the best and worst of times

Previous article

Cities keeping anti-discrimination measures despite new law

Next article