SALT LAKE CITY — The Human Rights Campaignhonored two Boy Scouts of America leaders Saturday at a gala held in Salt Lake City.
The organization honored Dave McGrath, who biked from Idaho to the Boy Scout National Convention in Texas in support of allowing gay scouts into the program. They also honored Peter Brownstein, who is a local scout leader who participated in the presentation of the American and Utah flags at Pride Festival last week.
Brownstein said the BSA’s recent decision to allow openly gay scouts into the program is a step in the right direction.
“I believe the BSA has taken the first step on a 50-mile hike toward progress,” he said. “I believe there’s some room to go, but I’d like to commend the 1,400 members who decided to include all members in the program regardless of their sexual orientation.”
The policy change allows gay scouts to join, but the ban against gay leaders remains in place. The national organization has asked leaders not to wear scout uniforms at political advocacy functions.
