Ernst & Young CEO Criticizes Boy Scout Gay Ban

In the latest criticism of the Boy Scouts of America, James Turley, global chairman and CEO of Ernst & Young, has released a statement today calling for the end of the organization's ban on gay leaders and Scouts. In the statement, Turley says, "Ernst & Young is proud to have such a strong record in LGBT inclusiveness. AS CEO, I know that having an inclusive culture produces the best results, is the right thing for our people, and makes us a better organization."

He goes on to say, "As I have done in leading Ernst & Young to being a most inclusive organization, I intended to continue to work from within the BSA Board to actively encourage dialogue and sustainable progress."

The criticism from the CEO, who also is a member on the board of the Boy Scouts of America, is the latest in a long list of complaints the organization has received for the policy, which explicitly bans gay individuals from being scout leaders or troop members. The issue came to the forefront with former 'Den Mother' Jen Tyrrell's expulsion from the organization after it was revealed she was a lesbian. After she was booted, she proceeded to start a Change.org petition, which has since gone on to receive over 300,000 signatures.

Thus far, it looks like the calls for change have been heard: the organization has agreed to revisit the rule in the not too distant future.