Local Scouting Council Responds to National Vote

At the Boy Scouts of America’s National Annual Meeting Thursday, May 23, voting members of the National Council approved a resolution to remove the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation alone.

The resolution also reinforces Scouting’s dedication to youth and that any sexual conduct, whether heterosexual or homosexual, by youth of Scouting age is contrary to the virtues of Scouting.

The change goes into effect January 1, 2014 to allow for a time of transition and to communicate and implement the policy to approximately 116,000 Scouting units.

A change to the membership policy for adult leaders was not considered and remains in place. There are no plans for further review of this matter by the National Executive Committee.

In a press release sent by the Moraine Trails Council, leaders also said the Council’s focus remains to deliver the core values of the Scout Oath and Law, particularly duty to God and country.

“The Moraine Trails Council study indicated a strong preference for maintaining the current standards. Consequently, the Council delegates voted the will of the surveyed majority. While we voted the will of our Council, we respect the integrity of the national decision-making process,” the release stated. “The information our Council received on this issue helped provide perspective to the process.”

Council President Dr. Henry Sinopoli also stated that he believes the vote should not deter the Council’s commitment to serve youth in the community.

“We understand people will have different opinions about this policy, but we also believe that all youth are better off when they participate in Scouting,” Sinopoli said in the release. “We believe good people can disagree and still work together to accomplish great things for youth. Going forward, we will stay focused on that which unites us.”

According to CEO Raymond Tennent, Moraine Trails Council serves more than 90 chartered units and more than 120 packs, troops and crews, throughout Armstrong, Butler, Lawrence and parts of Westmoreland Counties. He had no further comment Friday.