July 28--The new Boy Scouts of America policy to allow gay Scout leaders might not have much immediate effect, but it still represents a significant shift, local leaders say.
It shifts the decision on whether gay Scout leaders will be welcome to the local level.
The policy states that sponsoring organizations may still choose leaders who follow the sponsor's beliefs. Since about 70 percent of Boy Scout troop sponsors are churches, many could choose not to allow gay leaders.
Michael Hale, Scout executive for the Northeast Illinois Council, which covers Lake and parts of northern Cook County, welcomed the change.
"I think it will have quite a bit of an effect," he said. "I think it's a fairly good-sized step for us." But he added that sexual orientation is not typically something that's addressed when troop leaders are selected.
When the Scouts began accepting gay members previously two years ago, one church in Crystal Lake dropped its sponsorship, but Hale was not aware of any other charter partners that left.
At least one church now, though, is reconsidering the issue.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, who sponsor many Scout troops, released a statement saying its members were "deeply troubled" by the new policy and will have to re-examine its association.
Scott Histed, a committee member in with Troop 318 in Orland Park, said he agrees with the national council's move.
"I believe the Scouts have a marvelous protection policy (for youths) ... and I hope (gay leaders) receive the acceptance I feel they deserve," he said. "This was considered thoughtfully by the national council."
Ed Yohnka, spokesman for the ACLU of Illinois, welcomed the change, though he said many troops already allowed gay leaders despite the prior national ban.
"Bottom line is the Boy Scouts are doing the right thing and moving away from discrimination," he said. "The exemptions are troubling but, ultimately, this is an incredibly good thing."
The Pathway to Adventure Council, which represents Chicago and some suburbs, did not immediately address what practical effect the change would have but released a statement:
"The Scouting program, both locally and nationally, will remain focused on providing life-changing experiences to young people by enabling them to explore new opportunities, offer service to others, build self-confidence, and learn leadership skills. Scouting will continue to teach its youth members and adult leaders to be tolerant and respectful of different religious and moral beliefs, acknowledging that reasonable minds may honorably differ."
Freelance reporter Erin Gallagher contributed.
rmccoppin@tribune.com
