To the Point
Gay Scouts and Straight Leaders
The Boy Scouts will now allow openly gay members, but only until the age of 18, exposing conflicts between religious groups, corporate America and Scouting’s itself.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenThe Boy Scouts of America will now allow openly gay members, but only until they reach the age of 18. We hear how last week's compromise reflects conflicts between religious groups, the values of corporate America and the traditions of Scouting itself. Also, Europe steps toward arming Syrian rebels. But Russia pushes back. On Reporters Notebook, will wrestling get a reprieve from the International Olympic Committee?
Banner image: The statue of a scout stands in the entrance to Boy Scouts of America headquarters in Irving, Texas. Photo Tim Sharp/Reuters
In this episode
3 storiesEurope Steps Toward Arming Syrian Rebels; Russia Pushes Back
Yesterday, the European Union failed to extend its embargo on arms for Syrian rebels. Today, Russia says that endangers the prospects for a peace conference backed by that country and by the United States. Ellen Barry is Moscow Bureau Chief for the New York Times .
Read the story8 minGay Scouts and Straight Leaders
The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Boy Scouts of America is a private group with the right to prohibit gay members. That was 13 years ago. Last week, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America itself voted by 60% to endorse what's widely described as "an awkward compromise."
Read the story34 minWrestling Fights for a Spot in 2020 Olympics
The US, Iran and Russia have major differences, but they agree on one thing. Wrestling — a sport that dates back to ancient Greek tournaments that started it all — should be restored to the Olympic Games. In February, the International Olympic Committee stunned traditionalists and dropped wrestling from the summer games of 2020.
Read the story10 min
