Framingham Cub Scout pack opposes Boy Scouts' ban on gays

By Liam O'Kennedy, Globe Correspondent

In July, the Boy Scouts of America reaffirmed its longtime ban on gay scouts and leaders despite public protests and pressure from gay-rights groups. 

But one local pack is defying the policy.

Thirty-eight parents of children in Cub Scout Pack 12 in Framingham signed a letter that was sent to the leaders of the Knox Trail Council Sept. 10 expressing their disappointment with the policy and vowing to disregard it in favor of an atmosphere of non-discrimination. 

"Pack 12 has taught us that being a scout means being inclusive, supportive, and standing up for what you believe in," the letter reads. "We do not and never will discriminate on the basis of race, religion or sexual orientation."

The parents urged the Knox Trail Council to "adopt a similar stance on behalf of all the Metrowest area districts."   

The Globe reported in August that dozens of Scouts from Massachusetts and across the country are returning their Eagle Scout awards to protest the organization’s longtime policy that bars openly gay members.

There are more than 2 million Eagle Scouts, the highest honor in Boy Scouts, and the number of protesters is difficult to determine.

The Scouts reaffirmed its ban on openly gay Scouts and adult leaders after a two-year evaluation by a specially appointed committee of 11 “volunteers and professional leaders,” and the policy “reflects the beliefs and perspectives” of the organization, according to a statement on the Boy Scouts of America website.

The Boston Minuteman Council, which is based in Milton and serves the City of Boston and 32 surrounding cities and towns, added sexual orientation to its non-discrimination policy in 2001. 

"Bias, intolerance and unlawful discrimination are unacceptable within the ranks of the Boston Minuteman Council," the policy reads. "The Boston Minuteman Council serves over 18,000 youth through 3,300 volunteers in over 330 Packs, Troops and other units without regard to color, race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or economic status. 

The policy that was reaffirmed by the Scouts in July reads: “While the B.S.A. does not proactively inquire about the sexual orientation of employees, volunteers, or members, we do not grant membership to individuals who are open or avowed homosexuals or who engage in behavior that would become a distraction to the mission of the B.S.A.”