Girl Scouts of America’s policy on gay members is more open than that of the Boy Scouts organization.
Junior Tiara Freeman-Sargent is a member of Girl Scouts troop 1510 and said the group’s policy contrasts that of the BSA. “Unlike Boy Scouts, lesbians can be troop leaders and be a part of Girl Scouts,” she said.
Freeman-Sargent said that in her troop, everyone is accepted. “Sexual orientation has nothing to do with Girl Scouts. We are about promoting women,” she said.
According to the organization’s official rules, no preference is given to any specific sexuality. The official position statement of the Girl Scouts is “All citizens, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, have the right to housing, employment, and to be free from violence and harassment.”
According to a position statement on LGBT issues, Girl Scouts of America is increasingly working to raise awareness of LGBT rights. The organization is doing this by featuring well-known LGBT activists as role-models at Girl Scouts events, in Girl Scout materials and by referring girls to websites that promote LGBT rights.
A version of this article appeared in print on 20 february 2013, on page 3 of The Shakerite.
