New York Boy Scouts Hire First Gay Camp Leader in Defiance of National Organization

The Greater New York Council of Boy Scouts has hired an openly gay adult as an eagle scout, the first in the U.S. and in defiance of the national organization's ban on adult gay members.

Pascal Tessier, 18, was hired by the New York Boy Scouts council to serve as a summer camp leader, Reuters reported.

"We do not want our policy of non-discrimination to be affected by the national policy," said the council in a statement. "New York City and New York State law clearly prohibit employers from excluding qualified men and women from employment based on sexual orientation," it said.

Boy Scouts of America spokesman Deron Smith said, "the Boy Scouts policies for adult leaders and employees have not changed" and will look into the matter.

The 105-year-old Boy Scouts of America lifted its ban on gay youth in 2013 but still bans the participation of openly gay adults.

Scouts for Equality, a group of Boy Scouts alumni aiming to end the Boy Scouts' ban on gay members and leaders, lauded the hiring of Tessier. "This is a watershed moment," said executive director Zach Wahls. "For the first time in the history of the Boy Scouts, an openly gay adult will join their ranks as a camp counselor. Pascal Tessier was the first out gay scout, and now it appears that he will also be the first out gay leader."

The group said if the Boy Scouts of America National Council forces the Greater New York Council not to hire Pascal, "it will represent a boldfaced example of employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, which is illegal in New York State."

"As the controversy swirling in Indiana, Arkansas, and elsewhere demonstrates, Americans are no longer willing to tolerate discrimination based on sexual orientation. We affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all people, and we expect our leaders – and future leaders – to do the same," Wahls said.

He added:"We are proud to see such an important Boy Scout council standing up for the full inclusion of gay members and affirming that the values and principles of scouting are important to all people regardless of sexual orientation or age. We are proud of them for living up to the full promise of Scouting. And we're proud to be working with Pascal as he stands up for his rights as protected by law."