Even with an Episcopal priest vouching for him, a 54-year-old gay man was forced to resign from his leadership role in the Boy Scout troop at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Louisville, Ky.
Greg Burke is nothing if not an exemplary role model; he's been partnered for 30 years, has two adopted children, and is gainfully employed as a systems analyst. But he's gay, and the Scouts do not allow any out person to serve in a leadership position. Three months ago Burke wrote to the Scouts leadership and told them he was an “openly gay person” and asked, “Am I welcome or not?” Apparently, it was the latter.
Other local Scout leaders in Louisville rose up and defended Burke, including Donald Overton, a priest and fellow assistant Scoutmaster.
“He upheld the highest ideals of Scouting,” Overton said of Burke.
Burke remains a leader in the local Girl Scouts troop. Read more here.
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