- The Washington Times - Monday, February 4, 2013

Tear down these walls. That’s the message of President Obama to Boy Scouts of America, during a Sunday CBS News broadcast in which he was asked about the scouting prohibition against homosexuals as members.

“My attitude is that gays and lesbians should have access and opportunity the same way everybody else does in every institution and walk of life,” Mr. Obama said, according to Politico’s account of the interview. “The Scouts are a great institution that are promoting young people and exposing them to opportunities that will serve people for the rest of their lives.”

The Boy Scouts’ current policy bars gays from membership. This week, the national board is due to vote on replacing or maintaining its ban. The debate has raised political hackles; Texas Gov. Rick Perry said over the weekend the Boy Scouts should not cave to cultural pressures.

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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