Scouts to admit gay youngsters, but not leaders

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has thrown open its ranks to gay youngsters — but not gay adult leaders — in a compromise some warned could fracture the organisation and lead to defections.

The scouts stressed yesterday that the organisation of about 2.6m boys and about 1m adult leaders and volunteers would not condone sexual conduct by any scout — gay or straight.

However, the bitter debate continued as liberal scout leaders made clear they wanted the ban on gay adults lifted too.