• Home
  • News
    • Politics & Government
    • Business & Economy
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
  • Sports
    • High School Sports
    • Radio Iowa Poll
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support Page
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters

Radio Iowa

Iowa's Radio News Network

You are here: Home / News / Boy Scouts of America leader in Iowa welcomes new policy on gay scouts

Boy Scouts of America leader in Iowa welcomes new policy on gay scouts

May 27, 2013 By Radio Iowa Contributor

Starting next year, the Boy Scouts of America will no longer forbid openly gay youths from participating in its activities. Bob Hopper is the executive director for the Mid Iowa Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He attended last week’s meeting in Grapeville, Texas where the new policy was approved. “I think, from my perspective as CEO of the Mid Iowa Council – we served about 20,000 members in central Iowa – I’m for kids. This decision was based on helping as many kids as possible who want to be a part of our program,” Hopper said. “I think it’s a nice, positive thing for children.”

The ban for openly gay adults from leadership roles with the Scouts is still in effect. Hopper said he respects everyone’s opinion on the issue, but he believes all boys can benefit from Scouting. “The idea of opening up our organization to openly gay individuals has been very divisive. A lot of the initial conversation was about having gay adults in Scouting. That quickly got placed aside because it was so emotional for so many people,” Hopper said. “The idea of making sure our program is available to youth, certainly had a lot more positive reaction.”

In a statement, the Boy Scouts of America said the 103-year-old organization “will not sacrifice its mission, or the youth served by the movement, by allowing the organization to be consumed by a single, divisive and unresolved societal issue.” The policy will take effect January 1, 2014.

by Pat Powers, KQWC

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: News

Featured Stories

Bill would limit placement of solar arrays on farm ground

Marquette casino moving to land, leaving only 2 casino boats in Iowa

Reynolds signs her ‘school choice’ bill into law

Governor Reynolds touts 2024 Iowa Caucuses in Inaugural Address

University of Iowa grad presiding over U.S. House Speaker vote

TwitterFacebook
Tweets by RadioIowa

Iowa State names new receivers coach

No. 2 Iowa visits No. 1 Penn State in wrestling dual Friday night

Iowa’s Clark brings increased exposure to women’s basketball

No. 18 Iowa State women visit TCU

Northern Iowa men host Valparaiso

More Sports

Archives

Copyright © 2023 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC