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Gates Blasted for Stance on Gay Scout Leaders

CBN

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Religious leaders are criticizing Boy Scouts of America President Robert Gates for saying the organization should allow gay scoutmasters.

In a speech at the group's national gathering Thursday, Gates said the ban on gay adults is not sustainable.

"I must speak as plainly and bluntly to you as I spoke to presidents when I was director of the CIA and secretary of defense," Gates said. "We must deal with the world as it is, not as we might wish it to be."

He did say local groups that sponsor Scout troops should be able to make their own decision whether to forbid or allow gay leaders.

"Such a rule would allow all churches, which sponsor some 70 percent of our Scout units, to establish leadership standards consistent with their faith," he said.

Roger Oldham, vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, told Newsmax he's disappointed but not surprised by the move.

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