National Boy Scouts strip Seattle charter due to support of gay leader

Geoff McGrath poses for a photo, Tuesday, April 1, 2014, in Bellevue, Wash. The Boys Scouts of America has removed McGrath, an openly gay troop leader, after saying he made an issue out of his sexual orientation. The BSA told McGrath in a letter Monday that “it has no choice but to revoke your registration” after he told news media he was gay in connection with a news story. McGrath, who earned the rank of Eagle Scout, has been leading Seattle Troop 98 since its application was approved last fall. less Geoff McGrath poses for a photo, Tuesday, April 1, 2014, in Bellevue, Wash. The Boys Scouts of America has removed McGrath, an openly gay troop leader, after saying he made an issue out of his sexual ... more Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close National Boy Scouts strip Seattle charter due to support of gay leader 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

The Boy Scouts of America revoked a Seattle church of its charter this month because of the church's support of an openly gay scoutmaster, according to the gay rights group GLAAD.

The church, Rainier Beach United Methodist Church, which charters Pack and Troop 98, is considering legal action against the national Boy Scouts.

The Boy Scouts of America notified Scoutmaster Geoffrey McGrath on March 31 that his registration would be revoked because he is gay.

However, the church refused to remove McGrath as the troop leader.

"It's important to us that we are open to all people," said Monica Corsaro, pastor at Rainier Beach United Methodist Church, in a statement. "It's a part of our values that the spirit of inclusion is also reflected in the Boy Scout Troop we charter. The congregation stands with Geoff, because his work with this troop reflects the spirit and the values of Rainier Beach United Methodist Church."

The Boy Scouts of America, in an April 17 letter, told an attorney representing McGrath and the troop that the church was no longer allowed to house a Boy Scouts troop.

Thirty-nine state legislators signed a letter lauding the church's support of McGrath, writing, "Discrimination against gay people is unacceptable, especially when that discrimination affects youth and communities of faith."

The Boy Scouts announced last year it would allow openly gay youth to participate, but continues to prohibit gay scoutmasters from leading troops.

The Boy Scouts of America released the following statement Monday from spokesman Deron Smith:

"Because the church no longer agrees to the terms of the BSA chartered organization agreement, which includes following BSA policies, it is no longer authorized to offer the Scouting program. We are saddened by this development, but remain committed to providing all youth with the best possible Scouting experience where the Scouting program is the main focus. We have already identified a new chartered organization to sponsor the units and are contacting the parents and leaders of the units to inform them of the change."

A statement issued April 1 claims that the Boy Scouts of America does not inquire about members' sexual orientation, nor does it have "an agenda on the matter of sexual orientation."

The organization said McGrath's intentional discussion of his sexual orientation with national leadership and the media led to his removal by the national organization.

There are about 116,000 Boy Scout units nationwide.

Lynsi Burton can be reached at lynsiburton@seattlepi.com. Follow her on Twitter at @LynsiBurton_PI.