Seattle Politicians Back Scoutmaster Expelled for Being Gay

Seattle’s mayor and city council have expressed support for the leader of a local Boy Scouts troop who was dismissed last month after officials with the national youth organization learned he was gay, the Associated Press reports.

The Boy Scouts of America revoked Geoff McGrath’s membership last month after NBC News aired a report on his troop in which the scoutmaster mentioned his sexual orientation. The Scouts ended its longstanding ban on openly gay youths last year but continues to bar homosexual adults from leadership positions.

The organization said Mr. McGrath deliberately included his sexuality in the program. The troop’s sponsor, Rainier Beach United Methodist Church, said it is standing by its choice of troop leader, and last week Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and city legislators sent a letter to the Scouts’ Chief Seattle Council urging that it respect the church’s choice.