TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Local LGBT leaders are praising the Boy Scouts of America on its decision to let transgender boys join the organization.
This comes on the heels of the boy scouts expanding rights for gay members and leaders over the past several years.
PFLAG Tallahassee is a local support group for parents and friends of LGBT individuals.
The group applauds the Boy Scouts for being more inclusive, after more than 100 years.
The group says this is a "positive" and "important" move for the Boy Scouts and it's what one member calls a "learning opportunity" for all the scouts.
We reached out to the Boy Scouts of America Suwannee River Area Council, which serves South Georgia and North Florida.
The group referred us to its national headquarters, which provided a statement.
The organization said it had used information on a birth certificates to determine eligibility for its boys only programs.
The Boy Scouts say, "that approach is no longer sufficient, as communities and state laws are interpreting gender identity differently."
PFLAG Tallahassee says the willingness to be more open is a big step.
"This is a big move for Boy Scouts of America. I think they understood that when they made the decision on accepting their gay scouts, they realized that they were moving in the same direction as history was moving," said Chris Sands, secretary for PFLAG Tallahassee. "I think they want to be on the right side of history, and in the long run, this is going to be the right choice for them."
The boy scouts' statement also mentions a commitment to find "program options" will help "serve the whole family...to bring the benefits of scouting to the greatest number of youth possible."
Their full statement is below:
"As one of America’s largest youth-serving organizations, the Boy Scouts of America continues to work to bring the benefits of our programs to as many children, families and communities as possible.
“While we offer a number of programs that serve all youth, Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting are specifically designed to meet the needs of boys. For more than 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America, along with schools, youth sports and other youth organizations, have ultimately deferred to the information on an individual’s birth certificate to determine eligibility for our single-gender programs. However, that approach is no longer sufficient as communities and state laws are interpreting gender identity differently, and these laws vary widely from state to state.
“Starting today, we will accept and register youth in the Cub and Boy Scout programs based on the gender identity indicated on the application. Our organization’s local councils will help find units that can provide for the best interest of the child.
“The BSA is committed to identifying program options that will help us truly serve the whole family, and this is an area that we will continue to thoughtfully evaluate to bring the benefits of Scouting to the greatest number of youth possible – all while remaining true to our core values, outlined in the Scout Oath and Law.”
As for PFLAG, the group meets the second Thursday of every month at the First Presbyterian Church downtown.
It's open to family, friends and allies of the LGBT community.
