Boy Scouts Of America Opens Door To Transgender Children

The Boy Scouts of America will allow transgender children who identify as boys to join its organization, a statement released Monday night said.

The all-boys youth organization said beginning Monday it would determine membership based on the gender identity selected on an application, not by birth certificate, as it previously did.

"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," the statement said.

"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."

The new policy will allow a New Jersey boy to re-join his Cub Scout pack after he was kicked out because of his gender identity.

The announcement is also the latest step the organization is taking to be more inclusive and brings it further in line with progressive practices and laws.

In July 2015, the Boy Scouts lifted a longstanding ban on gay scout leaders.

"Starting today, we will accept and register youth in the Cub and Boy Scout programs based on the gender identity indicated on the application," the Monday statement said. "Our organization’s local councils will help find units that can provide for the best interest of the child.

"The Boy Scouts of America 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."

The Human Rights Campaign praised the move, calling it a "major policy shift."

The Girl Scouts of the United States of America already allow transgender girls into their organization.

Image via torbakhopper, Flickr, used under Creative Commons