Members of the Boy Scouts of America participate in pre-game ceremonies prior to the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field on September 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 2-1. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama, who is honorary president of the Boy Scouts of America, opposes the youth organization’s policy of excluding gays as members and adult leaders.
The Boy Scouts say they respect Obama’s opinion and believe that “good people” can disagree on the subject and still work together to “accomplish the common good.”
Last month, after a confidential two-year review, the Scouts reaffirmed their longstanding policy, which has been the target of numerous protest campaigns.
For three weeks, the White House didn’t comment on the Scouts’ decision. On Wednesday, the press office told The Associated Press that Obama believes the Boy Scouts is a valuable organization and that he opposes discrimination in all forms — including the Scouts’ policy.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
