Disney Cuts Boy Scout Donations Over Gay Ban

Company had given to some troops
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 3, 2014 6:23 AM CST
Disney Cuts Boy Scout Donations Over Gay Ban
In this June 30, 2013 file photo, Boy Scouts from the Chief Seattle Council carry US flags as they prepare to march in the Gay Pride Parade in downtown Seattle.   (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

Boy Scout troops are losing Disney's financial support over its continuing ban on gay adult leaders. The Walt Disney Company currently donates to some troops—though not the national organization—through an employee volunteering program, the LA Times reports. Those donations will end next year, the AP reports. "We’re never happy to see Scouting suffer as a result of the BSA’s anti-gay policy, but Disney made the right decision to withhold support until Scouting is fully inclusive," says Eagle Scout Zack Wahls, founder of Scouts for Equality.

Said the Boy Scouts in a statement: "We believe every child deserves the opportunity to be a part of the Scouting experience and we are disappointed in this decision because it will impact our ability to serve kids." Disney's decision emerged in a letter from a central Florida Boy Scouts official to leaders and parents. The organization ended a ban on gay minors on Jan. 1, but gay adult leaders are still banned. (More Boy Scouts of America stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X