Former Gay Boy Scout Leader Starts Online Petition
By: Michael C. Fehn
Updated: February 14, 2013
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- A Kentucky Boy Scout leader who says he was forced to resign because he is gay is fighting back with an online petition drive reaching out to one of the Scouts' major financial backers.
Greg Bourke is urging the United Way to denounce the Boy Scouts' ban on gays as Scouts or adult leaders.
Bourke says he was an assistant scoutmaster for a Louisville Scout troop for several years until he was forced to resign after informing Scout leaders that he is gay. Bourke's son is a troop member.
The petition drive on the website change.org garnered more than 44,000 signatures by Wednesday afternoon.
United Way executive Pete Hahn says the organization is committed to diversity. He says funding decisions are left to local United Way boards.
Greg Bourke is urging the United Way to denounce the Boy Scouts' ban on gays as Scouts or adult leaders.
Bourke says he was an assistant scoutmaster for a Louisville Scout troop for several years until he was forced to resign after informing Scout leaders that he is gay. Bourke's son is a troop member.
The petition drive on the website change.org garnered more than 44,000 signatures by Wednesday afternoon.
United Way executive Pete Hahn says the organization is committed to diversity. He says funding decisions are left to local United Way boards.
