Boy Scouts marched in New York's gay pride parade for the first time

Generations of active and former members of the Boy Scouts of America marched alongside thousands of participants in New York City's 44th Pride Parade on Sunday, marking a historic first for the group.

Bedecked in rainbow-colored neckerchiefs, the marchers served as the event's color guard while they openly defied the BSA's ban on wearing troop uniforms in pride parades. Though the BSA last year finally agreed to accept gay scouts — but not gay troop leaders — it still prohibits members from wearing their uniforms during pride events.

Marchers said they believed the New York council, which has a more lenient policy toward gay members, would not punish them for participating. But more importantly, they said they hoped their visible presence would push the national BSA toward an even more inclusive policy.

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