The Boy Scouts of America is close to ending the organization's longtime ban on gay leaders and Scouts. A policy under consideration would allow local chapters to decide on their own if they want to admit homosexuals. Scouting officials say the chapters would then be in control, based on religious beliefs or other qualifications. An announcement could come as soon as next week.

The gay ban was affirmed months ago, but the local organizations have been pushing for change. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the nationwide ban more than a decade ago, ruling it was protected under the First Amendment.


*****start poll*****
Poll: If the Boy Scouts of America lifts its ban on gays do you think it will affect its membership?
*****end poll*****