Boy Scouts will allow transgender children into programs

DALLAS (AP) — The Boy Scouts of America says it will allow transgender children who identify as boys to enroll in its boys-only programs.


The organization announced Monday that it had made the decision to base enrollment in boys only programs on the gender a child or parent lists on the application to become a scout. The organization had previously held a policy that relied on the gender listed on a child's birth certificate.

In 2014, the Boy Scouts began allowing openly gay scouts. In 2015, they began allowing gay troop leaders after a gay Seattle scoutmaster made headlines.

A spokeswoman for the organization says it made the decision based on states and communities changing how gender is defined.

A transgender child in Secaucus, New Jersey, was asked late last year to leave his Scout troop after parents and leaders found out he is transgender.