California lawmakers seek vote on Boy Scouts’ tax-exemption bill
The decision last week by the Boy Scouts of America to allow openly gay youths as Scouts was welcomed by California lawmakers, but some are still pressing for a vote on a proposal that could strip the group of its tax-exempt status.
The national council for the organization voted Thursday to change its policy on youth membership, but it is maintaining a ban on openly gay adult leaders.
State Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) said he is continuing to pursue legislation that would remove an exemption from state taxes from any nonprofit youth groups that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or religious affiliation.
“The Youth Equality Act will continue to move forward to ensure that discrimination in any form does not exist -- not in our state, not on our dime,” Lara said in a statement.
The action by the Boy Scouts is “a step in the right direction,” he added. “However, since this policy does not include all members of the BSA, it falls short of a truly inclusive policy.”
SB 323 has been approved by the Senate Governance and Finance Committee and could come up for a vote of the full California Senate this week.
Some members of the state Assembly also signaled they are not satisfied by the Boy Scouts’ decision.
“This is progress, but not enough,” said Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley). “BSA rules still prevent an adult, even an adult who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, from being a Scout leader solely because that person is gay.”
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