Boy Scouts March in Uniform at Utah Gay Pride Parade

Religion Today | Updated: Jun 05, 2013

Boy Scouts March in Uniform at Utah Gay Pride Parade

Despite orders from their local council not to do so, a number of Boy Scouts and their leaders marched in uniform at the Salt Lake City homosexual pride parade on Sunday, the Christian News Network reports. Just days after the Boy Scouts of America voted to end the organization's ban on openly gay members, Salt Lake leaders arranged for the Scouts to march in the parade, including Peter Brownstein, one of the local Scoutmasters. Brownstein told NBC that a few adults and youth marched in uniform at the front of the parade, and that he also marched, but not in Scoutmaster apparel. "I was essentially intimidated and told not to wear my BSA uniform," he told reporters. "So, I am unfortunately not in my BSA uniform, but I am glad that others have chosen to do so." According to reports, an email to the Scouts from Salt Lake City executive Rick Barnes outlined that members and leaders could participate in the parade, but not in uniform. However, some of the leaders and members wore their uniforms anyway. BSA headquarters responded in a statement: "These individuals stated a personal opinion and do not represent Scouting. Scouting teaches people that often in life, one finds rules they don't agree with, but a Scout is to be obedient. To simply disobey a rule because you disagree with it is not an example to set for youth. It is up to each council to determine how best to hold their leaders to the standards of Scouting. We will support the Greater Salt Lake Area Council as they determine the appropriate response."



Boy Scouts March in Uniform at Utah Gay Pride Parade