(KYTX) - After a two year review, Boy Scouts upheld its policy Tuesday against gay scouts and leaders.
Wednesday, the organization heard from former den leader and mother, Jennifer Tyrrell, who was fired from Boy Scouts in Ohio for being openly gay. She traveled to Irving with 300 thousand signatures in hand, petitioning for Boy Scouts to change its policy on that. Much to her disappointment, Boy Scouts did not.
Tyrrell and her partner handed over the petition with thousands of signatures to the higher-ups of Boy Scouts.
"He says we have a beautiful family. And, of course, it's not personal, it's just the policy. I reminded him that frequently, outdated policies are updated."
Boy Scouts of America released the following statement on the meeting:
"Representatives from the BSA accepted an online petition from Jennifer Tyrrell and her family. This is the second time the petition has been delivered to the BSA. The discussion was mutually cordial and very respectful. The BSA values the freedom of everyone to express their opinion and believes to disagree, does not mean to disrespect."
Randy Davis stands by Boy Scouts's decision.
"It's not to hate or dislike the person, it's the act. And, that's what I believe." he said.
John Miller with Tyler Area Gays says banning gays from participating in Boy Scouts sends children the wrong message.
"You're teaching those Boy Scouts that it's ok to exclude people in your life and it's ok to discriminate people in your life, and that's just not what Jesus wanted us to know." said Miller.
Boy Scout's national president says they decided it was in the organization's best interest to uphold the policy.
Tyrrell says she will continue to fight for civil rights and equality. She removed her 7-year-old from the organization.
The Boy Scouts executive director said a panel determined most people involved with the Boy Scouts organization support the ban against gays. That was the primary reason for upholding it.
Tyrrell says she does not mean to cause any grief and does not plan to sue.
