US Scout group loses charter over support for gay leader
By Sam Rigby
A Scout group in Seattle has had its charter revoked by the Boy Scouts of America organisation, following their decision to stand by their gay leader.
Earlier this month, the Boy Scouts of America called for the dismissal of Geoffrey McGrath, 49, after he spoke about his same-sex marriage in an article promoting the group.
However, the Rainier Beach United Methodist Church have chosen to ignore the request and allow McGrath to carry on as scoutmaster and Eagle Scout, the New York Times reports.
Rev. Dr. Monica K. Corsaro, who is the pastor of the church, said: “We’re going to stand firm. Geoffrey attends our church, and this is a way to support our youth in the neighborhood.”
Last year, the Boy Scouts of America ruled that gay youths should be allowed to join groups, but kept in place a ban on adult gay scoutmasters.
A Boy Scouts of America spokesperson commented: “Because the church no longer agrees to the terms of the B.S.A.-chartered organisation agreement, which includes following B.S.A. policies, it is no longer authorised to offer the scouting program. We are saddened by this development.”
Meanwhile, McGrath said that the group will now have to figure out a new name, as they are banned from using logos, uniforms or names associated with the Boy Scouts.
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