Boy Scouts of America Amends Adult Leadership Policy

On Monday, July 27, the National Executive Board ratified a resolution that removes the national restriction on openly gay adult leaders and employees. Of those present and voting, 79 percent voted in favor of the resolution. The resolution was recommended for ratification by the Executive Committee earlier this month. The resolution is effective immediately.

Chartered organizations will continue to select their adult leaders and religious chartered organizations may continue to use religious beliefs as criteria for selecting adult leaders, including matters of sexuality. This change allows Scouting’s members and parents to select local units, chartered to organizations with similar beliefs, that best meet the needs of their families. This change also respects the right of religious chartered organizations to choose adult volunteer leaders whose beliefs are consistent with their own.

Moving forward, we will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth, helping them grow into good, strong citizens. By focusing on the goals that unite us, we are able to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve.

Also, today the Boy Scouts of America shared this video of National President Dr. Robert M. Gates speaking on the policy change.

Yours in Scouting,

Spencer Page

Scout Executive

Membership Standard Change

Dear Gulf Coast Council, by now you know that the National BSA Executive Board approved the resolution removing sexual orientation as a membership standard allowing religious organizations to approve their leaders based on their beliefs. I will be sending out more information and details as it relates and effects local scouting in the coming days. In the meantime, please contact me if I can aide in answering questions or helping with discussions.

Yours In Scouting,

Spencer Page

Scout Executive

Gulf Coast Council 

850-476-6336

Updated Adult Membership Standard 7/13/2015

July 13, 2015

Gulf Coast Council Members, Parents and Supporters,

The National Key 3 and others consulted with religious organizations following the National Annual Meeting in May on the subject of adult leadership standards.  Scout leaders from across the country urged national leadership to swiftly act on this matter in order to lessen possible impact on Fall recruitment.

As a result, the National Executive Committee met on Friday, July 10 to review a resolution amending the adult leadership standards policy.  This resolution was unanimously adopted by those present and voting.  Today,  National BSA President Robert Gates is sharing this resolution with the National Executive Board and asking them to ratify this resolution on Monday, July 27.

As promised, I am sharing this information with you and will continue to do so as I receive new updates.

I have attached the proposed resolution and some back ground info that explains why BSA is considering this change in Leadership standards.

I will be glad to discuss or clarify any of this information with you to the best of my ability.  Feel free to contact me either by email or phone.  I can be reached at 850-476-6336 or email sppage@bsamail.org

Click on the documents below

Why the BSA Must Reconsider the Adult Leader Standards

Resolution on Adult Membership Standards

On behalf of the scouts of the Gulf Coast Council, thank you for your interest and support of Scouting.

Yours in Scouting,

Spencer Page
Scout Executive