DALLAS – The Boy Scouts of America announced late Monday that it will begin allowing transgender children who identify as boys to join the organization.
“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,” the Boy Scouts said in a statement. “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.”
Starting Monday, the statement continued, BSA will accept and register potential cub and boy scouts based on the gender identity on the application.
“The Boy Scouts of America is committed to identifying program options that will help us truly serve the whole family, and this is an area that we will continue to thoughtfully evaluate to bring the benefits of Scouting to the greatest number of youth possible–all while remaining true to our core values, outlined in the Scout Oath and Law.” The BSA continued in their statement.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has approximately 15 million members worldwide and is the nation’s largest sponsor of the Boy Scouts, has no comment.
In 2015, the LDS Churchdecided in would remain affiliated with the Boy Scouts despite its decision to allow gay troop leaders.
