Obama Opposes Boy Scouts Gay Ban

President Barack Obama on Wednesday joined rival candidate Mitt Romney in vocally opposing the Boy Scouts of America's recently reaffirmed ban on gay scouts and LGBT troop leaders.

“The President believes the Boy Scouts is a valuable organization that has helped educate and build character in American boys for more than a century,” White House spokesperson Shin Inouye said in the statement to The Washington Blade. “He also opposes discrimination in all forms, and as such opposes this policy that discriminates on basis of sexual orientation.”

Inouye also told The Blade that the President will not resign his position as honorary president of the organization as a result of this decision.

The Boy Scouts of America, a private, chartered organization which does allow public participation, last month concluded a two-year review of the long-standing policy to ban gay scouts from participating, and prohibit LGBT adults from holding leadership positions.

Several Eagle Scouts - the highest rank possible in the Boy Scouts - have returned their Eagle Medals in protest of the organization’s discriminatory policy. Earlier this year, lesbian mom Jennifer Tyrell was ousted from her position as den leader for her son’s Cub Scout troop because she is gay. Tyrell and GLAAD have organized a petition to advocate for her reinstatement.