Mormons Back Plan to Allow Gay Boy Scouts

The Mormon Church has given its blessing to the Boy Scouts of America’s plan to allow gay youths to join, while continuing to ban gay troop leaders.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said it was “satisfied’’ the group had made a good-faith effort to address one of "the most complex and challenging issues facing the BSA and society today."’

Mormons do not consider homosexuality a "sin" and allow chaste gays to hold positions in its groups, including scouting, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.

Openly gay Mormons hailed the endorsement, but believe the BSA needs an even more liberal policy.

Separating gay Scouts from gay leaders "sends a troubling message to youth," Kendall Wilcox, an openly gay Mormon filmmaker, told the Tribune.

"I much prefer the previous proposal that would have left it up to local charter organizations to decide whether or not to include LGBT youth and leaders.’’

The newspaper said gay-rights activists also have criticized a ban on gay Scout leaders because it promotes a false stereotype that adult gay men may also be sexual predators.