Boy Scouts revoke charter after troop leader comes out as gay

The Boy Scouts of America has revoked the charters of two troops in Seattle after their host organization refused to oust an openly gay scoutmaster, Time reports.

According to the advocacy group Scouts for Equality, the BSA pulled the charters for the Rainier Beach United Methodist Church's Boy Scout Troop 98 and Cub Scout Pack 98 because Rev. Dr. Monica Corsaro would not remove Scoutmaster Geoffrey McGrath. Corsaro told Scouts for Equality in a statement that "based on our religious principles, we will continue to act as an autonomous church that does not discriminate. We will continue to have our troop meetings here, every Thursday night, with business as usual."

Deron Smith, director of communications for the Boy Scouts of America, confirmed the news, saying that the organization has to enforce its own rules. "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," he added.

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While the BSA recently decided to allow gay scouts, gay adults cannot take on adult leadership positions. McGrath is thought to be the first openly gay adult to be removed from his leadership post by the organization.