Boy Scouts America opens membership to transgender children

Washington, Jan 31 (IANS) The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) will open membership for transgender children who identify themselves as boys, the media reported on Tuesday.

Under the new policy, which takes effect immediately, membership in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts will be based on the gender indicated on an application, CNN reported.

Previously, the organisation relied on an individual's birth certificate to determine eligibility for its single-gender programmes.

"However, that approach is no longer sufficient as communities and state laws are interpreting gender identity differently, and these laws vary widely from state to state," BSA spokeswoman Effie Delimarkos said in a statement ON Monday.

The change brings the Boy Scouts in line with other youth organiSations, including the Girl Scouts, that have created transgender-friendly membership policies.

It comes a few months after an eight-year-old Cub Scout in New Jersey accused the organisation of expelling him for being transgender.

Chief Scout Executive Michael Surbaugh said the group recently had been "challenged by a very complex topic... the issue of gender identity."

"We've taken the opportunity to evaluate and update our approach. I hope you'll join with me in embracing the opportunity to bring scouting to more families and children who can benefit from what our organization has to offer," CNN quoted Surbaugh as saying.

The BSA has come under fire in the past over LGBT issues.

In 2015, it lifted the ban on gay adults as Scout leaders. In 2013, it started allowing openly gay youths to join the programme.

The BSA, founded in 1910, is the largest scouting organisation in the US. It teaches youth to become responsible citizens, character development through outdoor activities and educational programmes.