Train Refuse to Play Boy Scouts Event Unless Ban on Gay Scouts Is Lifted

By Rolling Stone | Rolling Stone – Mon, Mar 4, 2013 5:05 PM EST

Train have made a public statement against the Boy Scouts' longstanding ban on scouts from the LGBQT community by refusing to perform at the Boy Scout Jamboree unless the band is lifted, according to Queerty. The pop-rockers were set to play the July event in West Virginia with Carly Rae Jepsen, but a recent Change.org petition by gay Eagle Scout Derek Nance urging the musicians to take action got their attention when GLAAD signed on for the cause on March 1st. The petition convinced Train to boycott the event, and they released a statement on their blog.

Photos: Big Game Weekend 2013 –  Train

"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," they wrote. "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 Change.org petition has been regeared in hopes that Jepsen will speak out as well. Jepsen's video for "Call Me Maybe" featured a male couple kissing, and she told Time last May that she has always supported gay marriage.

Related

This article originally appeared on Rolling Stone: Train Refuse to Play Boy Scouts Event Unless Ban on Gay Scouts Is Lifted

News for You

  • Mom: RI theater threw out disabled girl over noise

    NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) — A woman says she and her 5-year-old developmentally disabled daughter were thrown out of a theater during a "Beauty and the Beast" performance because the girl was making giggling and humming noises she makes when she's happy.

  • Palace sheds some light on Kate's baby plans

    LONDON (AP) — With Prince William and the former Kate Middleton expecting their first child in mid-July — and much of the world interested in the birth of a future monarch — the royals' office has released some of the couple's plans, although many details are still being kept private. Kate has made several public appearances recently but is expected to keep a low profile in the final weeks of her pregnancy. Here is the latest news about the infant who will, upon entering the world, be third in line for the British throne.

  • Jenner: Kim Kardashian 'thrilled for the new baby'

    LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kris Jenner says her daughter Kim Kardashian is thrilled to have a new baby girl.

  • Cher credits luck for her lengthy career

    UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. (AP) — Cher is no stranger to tabloid fodder.

  • 'The Voice' Winner: Who Did the Experts Choose?

    By Jethro Nededog LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - NBC's "The Voice" will crown another winner on Tuesday night's finale. Season 4's three finalists - Daniellle Bradbury, Michelle Shamuel and The Swon Brothers - battled it out for the title on Monday's performance finale episode. Before the performances, coaches Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Shakira and Usher performed The Beatles' "With A Little Help From My Friends." The Top 16 then got together for the second group performance of the night on Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros' "Home. ...

  • Deen says she used slur but doesn't tolerate hate

    SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Celebrity cook Paula Deen said while being questioned in a discrimination lawsuit that she has used racial slurs in the past but insisted she and her family do not tolerate prejudice.

Show More