The Rev. Peter Morales, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), issued the following statement addressing the Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) proposed membership standards resolution:

“The Boy Scouts of America has announced a proposal for revising its discriminatory membership policies. The proposed resolution would remove the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation alone, but would continue to perpetuate the discriminatory membership policy for all adult scout leaders.

“While long opposing the BSA’s discriminatory policies, the UUA has consistently noted the many benefits that scouting offers to boys and young men, and we applaud the fact that these benefits will potentially be available to all boys and young men who want to participate in scouting. However, it is abhorrent to continue to discriminate against scout leaders.

“As a religious community, Unitarian Universalists are called to affirm the worth and dignity of every person regardless of sexual orientation. Starting in 1985, the UUA has spoken out in opposition to the BSA’s discriminatory practices.

“This resolution further illustrates how the BSA remains out of touch and inconsistent with their own values of respect and kindness, but also with the changing attitudes of the American public.

“The proposed resolution from the BSA is a step in the right direction, but it falls short of ensuring equality for gay scout leaders. Unitarian Universalists remain hopeful that there is still time to persuade the BSA to move from discrimination and prejudice to inclusion and respect for all Americans who wish to participate in scouting.”