Kentucky Boy Scout official says 20 sponsors dropped support after gay scouts allowed

An official for a Boy Scouts of America troop in Kentucky has said that around 20 sponsors have either dropped their support or plan to do so following the removal of the policy banning openly-gay members.

Chip Armishaw, the CEO of the BSA’s Blue Grass Council said that despite the sponsors dropping their support, the council had found replacement sponsors for month.

The Blue Grass Council is made up of 209 chartered organisations in 55 counties in eastern and central Kentucky.

Earlier this year the national council of the BSA voted to lift the ban on openly gay youth members, over 60% of the 1400 strong voting body backed lifting the ban.

The new policy still excludes openly gay scout leaders or volunteers, but takes effect on 1 January 2014.

Armishaw said the council had expected some of its organisations to drop support following the vote.

• Dec 01 2023

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