Update: The Boy Scouts of America board delayed its vote on whether to end a ban on gay membership until May.
Original Story (8:13 a.m.):More than 40 elected officials from across Texas have signed an open letter encouraging the Boy Scouts of America to maintain its current membership policy鈥攚hich doesn鈥檛 allow gay members or scout masters.
made his stance on the issue clear last weekend. Now, lawmakers including Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Stapes are to a change to the policy. A rally andat the Boy Scouts National headquarters in Irving has also been scheduled for this morning.
Now, the question remains: Will gay youth and scout masters be able to join the Boy Scouts?
Board members of thecould make the decision today during a national executive board meeting. The new policy would give local chapters the authority to decide on the matter themselves.
President Barack Obama and gay activities support the inclusive move.
But many conservative groups have come out against it, including鈥攖he conservative group that drafted the open letter and is organizing the vigil. The along with 41 other groups in USA Today last Monday urging the Boy Scouts to "stand firm for timeless values."
In 2000, the . The renewed debate over whether to lift the ban comes with declining youth membership.
