Train, Carly Rae Jepsen Refuse Invitation to Play at Boy Scout’s Jamboree To Protest Anit-Gay Policies

Train and Carly Rae Jepsen won't be performing for the Boy Scouts of America anytime soon. Both had been invited to play at the Boy Scout's Jamboree, but they have declined in response to an on-line petition that has over 62,000 signatures.

The on-line petition was initiated by gay Eagle Scout Derek Nance, and asks that Train and Carly Rae Jepsen not play the Jamboree in light of the Boy Scout's ban on gay scouts and leaders. As of this morning, that petition has over 62,000 signatures.

The Boy Scouts have been all over the place in their anti-gay policies. They initially were very strong in not allowing gay scouts and leaders into the scouts, but more recently it seemed that they were having second thoughts and it was suggested that each troop might be able to decide policy at a local level. Now, any decision has been postponed until the executive board meets in May.

Carly Rae said in her statement "I always have and will continue to support the LGBT community on a global level...and stay informed on the ever changing landscape in the ongoing battle for gay rights in this country and across the globe." Jepsen continues "As an artist who believes in equality for all people, I will not be participating in the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree this summer."

The musical group Train was just as vocal in their protest of the Boy Scout's anti gay policies. In a statement posted on their website the band says "When we booked this show for the Boy Scouts of America, we were not aware of any policy banning openly gay people from participation within the organization. Train strongly opposes any kind of policy that questions the equality of any American citizen."

Do you agree with Train and Carly Rae Jepsen in their boycotting of the Boy Scouts Jamboree in an effort to reverse the Boy Scout's ban on gay scouts and leaders?