The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has just lifted its ban on openly gay adult leaders last 27 July, but will still continue to allow church-sponsored units to exclude gay individuals. The move was considered a compromising effort to resolve an issue that has plagued the group since the '80s and '90s, when it began explicitly banning openly gay youths and adults.
Two years ago, the Boy Scouts compromised by accepting openly gay minors while maintaining the ban on gay adults in paid or volunteer leadership roles. However, this spring BSA's president, former Defense secretary Robert Gates, said that position was no longer sustainable, as many states are passing laws that ban employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Two years ago, the Boy Scouts compromised by accepting openly gay minors while maintaining the ban on gay adults in paid or volunteer leadership roles. However, this spring BSA's president, former Defense secretary Robert Gates, said that position was no longer sustainable, as many states are passing laws that ban employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.