Board member of Boy Scouts speaks out against anti-gay policy

The CEO of Ernst & Young, board member of the Boy Scouts of America, has expressed opposition to BSA’s anti-gay policy, and said he is working with the group to amend its membership rules. This comes after one lesbian mom ousted as Tiger Cub den leader launched an online petition urging board members to speak out on the issue. From msnbc.com:

James Turley, global chairman and CEO of consulting and tax firm Ernst & Young, said late Tuesday that his experience had led him “to believe that an inclusive environment” was “important throughout our society.”

“I support the meaningful work of the Boy Scouts in preparing young people for adventure, leadership, learning and service, however the membership policy is not one I would personally endorse,” he said in a statement first reported by CNBC. “ … I intend to continue to work from within the BSA Board to actively encourage dialogue and sustainable progress.”

Another BSA board member was more reticent on the issue: “We don’t agree with every policy of every organization we support, nor would we expect them to agree with us on everything,” said Randall Stephenson, CEO of AT&T. “Our belief is that change at any organization must come from within to be successful and sustainable.”

The Boy Scouts announced last week that it is considering a resolution that calls for amending its rules to allow local affiliates to set their own policies on the issue. Read entire story here.