A decision this week by the Boy Scouts of America to allow same-sex leaders has a Louisville man ready to serve.
Greg Bourke was the leader of his son’s troop for 11 years before he was forced out for being openly gay. His departure from the organization about three years ago made national headlines.
This week, the organization ended its ban on gay adult leaders. Bourke said it was time.
"This organization has been around for 105 years and any organization that is going to survive that long has to be willing change with the times," Bourke told WKU Public Radio.
Bourke, who was also a plaintiff in the ultimately successful legal challenge to Kentucky's same-sex marriage ban, plans to re-apply for Boy Scout leadership and is cautiously optimistic.
The new policy gives troops affiliated with religious organizations the freedom to choose leaders that fit their beliefs.
Bourke’s troop is chartered by the Catholic church he attends. He said the parish itself has been supportive, but the decision on whether he’ll be allowed back as a troop leader will come from the Archdiocese of Louisville.
