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Greenwich Eagle Scout Challenges Boy Scouts' Anti-Gay Policy

GREENWICH, Conn. -- Greg Edelston, a 19-year-old college student and Eagle Scout from Cos Cob, has launched a petition on Change.org to call on the Greenwich Council to reject the Boy Scouts of America’s national policy that bans gay youth and leaders, according to a press release.

Greg Edelston, an Eagle Scout from Greenwich, is challenging the Boy Scouts of America's anti-gay policy with a petition.

Greg Edelston, an Eagle Scout from Greenwich, is challenging the Boy Scouts of America's anti-gay policy with a petition.

Photo Credit: Change.org

Edelston started the petition after the recent high-profile expulsions of gay youth and parents from several Boys Scout troops across the country.

"The Boy Scouts are increasingly isolating themselves with their discriminatory policy," part of the petition reads. "We love the Boy Scouts, but we can’t support this policy."

Edelston specifically calls on Kevin O'Shea, Scout Executive of the Greenwich Council to sign the petition.

Edelston said in the release that he thinks the Boy Scout’s anti-gay membership policy not only hurts Scouting, but also sends a dangerous message to young people.

“The Boy Scouts of America is an incredible institution, but its national anti-gay membership policy undermines all of the great work our council is doing right here at home,” Edelston said in the release. "I have gay friends who have suffered under this policy. No one should have to hide who they are in fear of being rejected.”

As of Thursday morning, 625 people had signed Edelston's petition.

One-hundred petitions, acquiring more than 1.6 million signatures, have been launched by Scouts, Scout leaders, and Scouting families on Change.org, urging local Boy Scout councils across the country to help end the ban on gay youth and parents.

See the full petition here.

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