Boy Scouts of America Scoutmaster fired for being gay
By Josh Haggis
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have fired a Scoutmaster for being gay – on the grounds that the organisation doesn’t allow openly homosexual leaders.
Geoff McGrath, 49, a troop leader in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighbourhood, has been married to his husband for over 20 years.
He spoke to NBC News about his dismissal, saying: “It’s extremely disappointing to not be fully supported and defended in my membership.
“They are complaining that the problem [his status as a gay man] is a distraction to Scouting and they don’t seem to understand that the distraction is self-inflicted.”
Last year the organisation changed its rules regarding homosexuality, allowing gay youths to become members. Openly gay Scoutmasters, however, are still banned by the BSA.
In a statement to NBC, BSA spokesperson Derrin Smith said: “Our policy is that we do not ask people about their sexual orientation, and it’s not an issue until they deliberately inject it into Scouting in an inappropriate fashion.”
They continued: “We spoke with Mr. McGrath today and based on the information he provided, the National Council has revoked his registration.”
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