Scouting Family,
We appreciate your participation and support of Scouting as we help equip your children with the life skills to become good, strong citizens. Throughout Scouting's 103 years, our focus has remained the same - to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve. During the recent membership policy review process, we have continued to stay focused on that which unites us, reaching and serving young people to help them grow into good, strong citizens. As an integral part of the Scouting family, I want to take a moment to briefly update you about our membership policy.
In February, the Boy Scouts of America embarked on the most comprehensive listening exercise in its history to consider the impact of potential changes to its membership standards policy on the organization and gather perspectives from inside and outside of the Scouting family. This review created an outpouring of feedback from both those who agree with the current policy and those who support a change.
On May 23, following this review, the approximately 1,400 voting members of the Boy Scouts of America's National Council approved a resolution to remove the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation alone. The resolution also reinforces that Scouting is a youth program, and any sexual conduct, whether heterosexual or homosexual, by youth of Scouting age is contrary to the virtues of Scouting. A change to the current membership policy for adult leaders was not under consideration; thus, the policy for adults remains in place. As the National Executive Committee just completed a lengthy review process, there are no plans for further review on this matter.
While people have different opinions about this policy, we can all agree that kids are better off when they are in Scouting. Going forward, our Scouting family will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth in order to help them grow into good, strong citizens. America's youth need Scouting, and by focusing on the goals that unite us, we can continue to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve.
Sincerely, Wayne Brock Chief Scout Executive Boy Scouts of America
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