If you’re cheering the Boy Scouts’ decision to allow transgender kids to join their ranks, consider doing so out loud. The century-old organization announced Monday it will now base enrollment on the gender listed on the application, rather than the gender listed on a child’s birth certificate. “The Boy Scouts of America is committed to identifying…
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The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism issued this statement:
In response to the Boy Scouts of America’s announcement that they will begin accepting members based on the gender listed on their application, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, Central Conference of American Rabbis and wider Reform Movement:
“We applaud the Boy Scouts of America for taking this important step towards full equality for all of their members. As Reform Jews, we believe that every person is created in the image of God and that the Divine spark is present in each of us, thus we are all equally deserving of dignity and respect. This announcement is a momentous step toward broader inclusion and equality of transgender and gender non-conforming youth and adults in our society.”
The Anti-Defamation League issued the following statement:
he Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the Boy Scouts of America decision to begin accepting members based on the gender an individual lists on the enrollment application, opening membership to transgender youth.
This move reverses the organization’s previously-held policy, which relied on an individual’s biological sex indicated on a birth certificate. The change is in line with existing policy by the Girl Scouts, who have made it clear they serve all girls, including transgender girls.
“We welcome the Boy Scouts’ decision to end their discriminatory policy of excluding transgender youth in scouting,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “No one should be denied the opportunity to participate in any Boy Scout troop because of their gender identity or expression. This policy change is a necessary and important step for the organization in order to provide inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments for all scouts.”
This decision comes after the exclusion of an 8-year old transgender boy, Joe Maldonado, from the Northern New Jersey Council of Boy Scouts Club Scout Pack 87 in Secaucus, New Jersey last month. The Boy Scouts had reportedly asked that Joe be removed from the Cub Scouts after receiving complaints from other parents that a transgender child was participating, citing eligibility requirements. Expressing disappointment with this decision, ADL’s New Jersey Regional Office urged the Boy Scouts to extend its policies on accepting gay youth to transgender youth.
“Young people should be able to grow and thrive in environments free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination,” said Joshua Cohen, ADL New Jersey Regional Director. “We are pleased that all chartering troops will now be guided by the inclusive principles represented by this policy.”
In 2013, the group ended its ban on openly gay youth and ended its ban on openly gay adults two years later.