The Boy Scouts of America on Monday announced effective immediately it will begin accepting children into the program based on the gender checked on the application. The move is a 180-degree turn from the organization’s 106-year history of not accepting transgender children.
“While we offer a number of programs that serve all youth, Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting are specifically designed to meet the needs of boys. For more than 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America, along with schools, youth sports and other youth organizations, have ultimately deferred to the information on an individual’s birth certificate to determine eligibility for our single-gender programs. However, that approach is no longer sufficient as communities and state laws are interpreting gender identity differently, and these laws vary widely from state to state.
“Starting today, we will accept and register youth in the Cub and Boy Scout programs based on the gender identity indicated on the application. Our organization’s local councils will help find units that can provide for the best interest of the child,” the organization said in a press release.
The Boy Scouts added it will continue to evaluate its programs, including how to appeal to the greatest number of kids possible.
