Local charter group could have final say in Boy Scouts' national ban on gays

CINCINNATI - The Boy Scouts are preparing to lift the national ban on gay scouts and scout leaders, but that doesn't mean every troop will follow suit.

The national board of the Boy Scouts could approve the policy next week, but the local groups who support individual troops will have the final say on who they will allow in.

The Boy Scouts say that is so they maintain their missions, principals or religious beliefs.

"It will be up to the local charter partner, not the local council, the local council follows the rules of the national organization,” said Tom Dugger, scout executive of the Dan Beard Council, in an interview with 9 On Your Side.

The Supreme Court upheld the Boy Scouts ban on gays in 2008, but that cost the scouts support from groups who have diversity or anti-discrimination policies.

Watch Dugger’s entire interview in the media player above.