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Louisville Man Hopeful After Boy Scouts Lift Ban on Gay Leaders

Gregory Bourke, via WKYU

  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. That was three years ago.  This week, the organization ended its ban on gay adult leaders.  Bourke says 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 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 and he says the church itself has been supportive.  The decision, though on whether he’ll be allowed back as a troop leader, will come from the Archdiocese of Louisville.

Lisa is a Scottsville native and WKU alum. She has worked in radio as a news reporter and anchor for 18 years. Prior to joining WKU Public Radio, she most recently worked at WHAS in Louisville and WLAC in Nashville. She has received numerous awards from the Associated Press, including Best Reporter in Kentucky. Many of her stories have been heard on NPR.
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