Mormon Leaders Welcome Boy Scouts of American’s Lift on Ban of Gay Members

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Mormon church says it welcomes the Boy Scouts of America's latest proposal to lift the gay ban for youth members but continue to exclude gays as adult leaders.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints posted a statement on its website Thursday saying it is satisfied with the proposal, which the Boy Scouts announced last week. The church says the Scouts made a thoughtful, good-faith effort to address one of the most complex and challenging issues facing society. It also says the proposal recognizes Scouting exists to benefits youth rather than adult leaders.

The Mormon church has more Scouting troops than any other religious denomination. Boy Scouts of America plans to submit the proposal to its National Council at a meeting in Texas the week of May 20.

Mormon Leaders Welcome Boy Scouts of American's Lift on Ban of Gay Members