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Boy Scouts shut down troop with gay leader

The Boy Scouts of America have revoked the charter for an entire church for supporting an openly gay leader. 

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A Seattle troop was shut down by Boy Scouts of America for retaining openly gay leader, Geoffrey McGrath, according to advocacy group Scouts for Equality.

Rainier Beach United Methodist Church, where the troop is chartered, refused to remove McGrath when BSA revoked his status as Scoutmaster after learning of his sexual organization. 

"We will continue to act as an autonomous church that does not discriminate," Rev. Monica Corsaro of Rainer Beach United Methodist Church said. The church plans to continue its weekly scout meetings despite BSA revoking their charter.

This year marks the first in the organization's 100-year history to admit openly gay scouts. In February, Pascal Tessier became the first openly gay scout to be achieve the highest level in the organization, Eagle Scout. Once over 18, however, the organization bans openly gay leaders and volunteers, so Tessier would be banned from the organization where he had invested so much time and commitment. 

The BSA's removal of McGrath is reportedly the first situation where an openly gay leader was removed from leadership since last year's decision to ban gay adults.

Supporters of Geoff and Rainer Beach United Methodist Church reacted on Twitter to BSA's message of acceptance and practice of discrimination.

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