End of Boy Scouts' ban on gays prompts elation and alarm


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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The lifting of the Boy Scouts of America's ban on gay adult leaders prompted some gay Eagle Scouts to quickly rejoin the movement on Tuesday. But the Mormon church — the nation's largest sponsor of Scout units — warned that it may split away to form a global scouting organization of its own.

Mormon officials described the admission of openly gay leaders as "inconsistent with the doctrines of the Church."

The contrasting reactions followed the BSA national executive board's 45-12 vote on Monday to lift the nationwide ban while allowing church-sponsored units to continue excluding gay adults.

Across the country, scores of gay Eagle Scouts signed forms with the advocacy group Scouts for Equality, expressing interest in rejoining the Boy Scouts as volunteers.

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DAVID CRARY and LINDSAY WHITEHURST

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