Gay US scout leader defies sacking: ‘I will remain in my post’
A gay scout leader who was sacked by the Boy Scouts of America has said he will remain in his post, with the support of his church.
Geoff McGrath, 49, is the leader of a Seattle scout troop, and last week became the first victim of BSA’s ban on gay adults, as the organisation announced his leadership had been “revoked”.
He is not so willing to go, however, and told KING5: “I have not tended my resignation. Until I am relieved of my duty properly, I stand in my post.”
McGrath added that he doesn’t plan to step down until he is relieved by his charter organization, which in this case is Rainier Beach United Methodist Church.
The church’s pastor, Monica Corsaro, has backed McGrath decision to defy the sacking, and said he will remain in his post.
She said: “It’s very disappointing that a policy that is so blatantly discriminatory is being acted out, and so I think it makes us stand more firm and be more clear that Geoffrey is our Scoutmaster and Geoffrey will remain our Scoutmaster
“In my humble opinion, I don’t feel like I’ve been communicated to by the Boy Scouts of America, Geoffrey also received an email which I was copied on but I have received no direct communication from the Boy Scouts of America.”
The Boy Scouts of America claimed that McGrath was “deliberately injecting” his sexuality into scouting.
