The band Train won’t be playing at the National Scouting Jamboree this summer as originally planned, and it has nothing to do with scheduling hiccups or artistic differences.
The group is protesting the Boy Scouts of America’ position not to admit openly gay members, a stance the musicians took after a former scout posted an online petition on the subject.
Derek Nance, who drew media attention earlier this year after his coming out resulted in his immediate dismissal as a scout program director, took to Change.org to seek both artists’ support in condemning the 102-year-old organization’s discriminatory policies.
Train released this statement on the matter:
“When we booked this show for the Boy Scouts of America we were not aware of any policy barring openly gay people from participation within the organization. Train strongly opposes any kind of policy that questions the equality of any American citizen. We have always seen the BSA as a great and noble organization. We look forward to participating in the Jamboree this summer, as long as they make the right decision before then,” the band said.
The Boy Scouts last month delayed a vote last on changing its stance regarding openly gay scouts.
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