GLAAD to Carly Rae Jepsen: Denounce Scouts' Gay Ban, Maybe?

Rock band Train, announced to perform at the Boy Scouts of America’s National Scouting Jamboree in July, has now declined to appear unless the Scouts’ gay ban is lifted, and LGBT activists are calling on the other announced headliner, Carly Rae Jepsen, to do the same.

On Friday, shortly after GLAAD and Eagle Scout Derek Nance initiated a petition calling on both musical acts to denounce the ban, Train issued this statement: “When we booked this show for the Boy Scouts of America we were not aware of any policy barring openly gay people from participation within the organization. Train strongly opposes any kind of policy that questions the equality of any American citizen. We have always seen the BSA as a great and noble organization. We look forward to participating in the Jamboree this summer, as long as they make the right decision before then.”

Train is scheduled to headline the event’s closing night, July 20, and Jepsen is scheduled for opening night, July 16. Both acts have a history of LGBT-friendliness, having spoken out for marriage equality, and the video for Jepsen’s hit “Call Me Maybe” has a gay twist at the end.

The BSA is reportedly considering lifting the nationwide ban on gay members and leaders, replacing it with a policy that would allow local troops to set membership criteria. The national board was expected to act on the matter last month, but delayed the decision until May.

To sign a petition to Jepsen, click here.