A change in policy by the Boy Scouts of America to permit gays was discussed at a monthly district commissioners meeting Wednesday.
The national Boy Scouts office delayed deciding on the issue Wednesday and instead will decide in May.
About 10 members of the 18-member committee of the Black Rock District, which encompasses Schuylkill County, met at Holy Family School, Frackville, for their monthly meeting. The district commissioners meet at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month.
District commissioners are responsible for the "health and welfare of individual units," said James Briel, district commissioner.
There are 27 units in the county consisting of troops, packs and venture crews, he said.
One commissioner asked about the policy and what she should say if someone who was gay wanted to join the Boy Scouts.
"Right now, at this time, Boy Scout policy does not permit it," Briel told Beverly Dempster, Shenandoah.
She then asked if the same policy would apply if the person wanted to be a leader.
"Again, if they're open about it, then again they would not be allowed," he said.
"I look forward to change in the policy," she said.
Assistant District Commissioner Aaron Stepanchick said he agreed.
"I'm all for it, for change," he said.
When asked why, he said, "Just because everybody deserves a chance."
A statement issued Jan. 28 from the Boy Scouts of American read, "The policy change under discussion would allow the religious, civic or educational organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting to determine how to address this issue. The Boy Scouts would not, under any circumstances, dictate a position to units, members or parents. Under this proposed policy, the BSA would not require any chartered organization to act in ways inconsistent with that organization's mission, principles or religious beliefs."
Bill Garrett, Scout executive and CEO of the Hawk Mountain Council that encompasses Schuylkill County, Berks County and part of Carbon County, had been informed via email about the delay on the decision.
"At this point, we don't have any local discussions planned," he said.
The council has four districts: the Appalachian District, Black Rock District, Cacoosing District and Frontier District. The Black Rock District covers Schuylkill County.
"The Hawk Mountain Council can't sacrifice its mission, or our youth served by the movement, by allowing the organization to be consumed by a single, divisive and unresolved societal issue. Our volunteers, staff charter partners and Friends of Scouting remain focused on providing the best program to our 8,000 young men and women. We remain committed to preparing them for their future," Garret said in a statement Wednesday.
Garrett also said that the organization does not "pro-actively inquire about sexual orientation with any of our members."
In a follow up email, he said, "The Hawk Mountain Council serves over 1,700 young people through 700 dedicated volunteers in Schuylkill County. During my 18-year career in five local councils, I have not been involved in any issues regarding sexual orientation. However, we do reserve the right not register individuals who exhibit any behavior that might be a distraction to our program."
Christopher Sweitzer, committee chair for Boy Scout Troop 622, Schuylkill Haven, said he was not disappointed with the decision to delay.
"I'm glad they didn't rush to make a decision in order to satisfy the media or certain groups,' he said.
He did not agree with giving the decision to local organizations.
"I feel the Boy Scouts national office should be the one to make that decision. It's too complex of an issue. I think the Boy Scouts should decide 'yes' they will overturn the ban or 'no' they will not."
The George Keller Memorial Association in Schuylkill Haven is the sponsor of the troop and cub pack, he said. The association is composed of about 10 adult members, he said.
A division could arise between local sponsoring organizations if it is not decided at the national level, he said.
Joseph Faust, assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 731, Ringtown, said he also isn't surprised with the announcement.
"It's an ongoing change within the Boy Scouts. Nothing's written in stone," he said.
He did not want to speculate on how the National Council could vote in May.
"It can go either way," he said.
Tom Piaskowski, Scoutmaster of Troop 621, Orwigsburg, said he was not surprised with the decision to gather more information from others.
"I'm just curious to see how it all works out," he said.