Carly Rae Jepsen still to answer gay rights group call to boycott Boy Scouts concert
US gay rights group GLAAD has called on Carly Rae Jepsen to turn down headlining an event for the Boy Scouts of America until they lift their ban on gay scouts and leaders.
The ‘Call Me Maybe’ singer has yet to respond to GLAAD’s request and she is scheduled to appear on the opening night of the 2013 National Scout Jamboree on 16 July.
However, fellow headliner, rock band Train have responded saying they will only appear in the jamboree if the Boy Scouts of America lifted its ban.
The San Francisco based band said: “When we booked this show for the Boy Scouts of America we were not aware of any policy barring openly gay people from participation within the organisation.
“Train strongly opposes any kind of policy that questions the equality of any American citizen.
“We have always seen the BSA as a great and noble organisation.”
The statement continued: “We look forward to participating in the Jamboree this summer, as long as they make the right decision before then.”
Both Train and Jepsen have a history of being LGBT-friendly and have spoken out in favour of equal marriage.
The music video for Jepsen’s hit single ‘Call Me Maybe’ even featured a gay male lead character.
The Boy Scouts of America is considering lifting its nationwide ban on gay members, volunteers and staff and replacing it with a policy that would allow local troops to decide on their member criteria.
The national board is expected to make their decision in May.
A Change.org petition has been created to convince Jepsen to speak out against the ban.
