New Zealand scout leaders are welcoming the US decision to end a ban on gay leaders, but say the organisation here has always been open and inclusive. "We have openly gay leaders and openly gay youth, and they feel really included in the movement," Scouts NZ chief executive Niamh Lawless has told the New Zealand Herald. "We are very pleased to see that Boy Scouts of America has made this decision." The US organisation this week ratified a resolution removing the national ban on openly gay leaders and employees. However groups sponsored by religious organisations will be exempt. The Mormon Church, which sponsors 17 per cent of all US Scouts, says it’s now "re-evaluating" its relationship with the organisation. "The Church has always welcomed all boys to its Scouting units regardless of sexual orientation," its statement reads. "However, the admission of openly gay leaders is inconsistent with the doctrines of the Church and what have traditionally been the values of the Boy Scouts of America."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 30th July 2015 - 9:05am