The Boy Scouts of America's governing council voted on Thursday to allow openly gay scouts to join local troops for the first time in the organization's 103-year history. Gay adults still can't serve as troop leaders, but many see the decision as a significant step for forward for gay rights in America.
As with many issues surrounding gay rights, online reaction to the decision was passionate and divided. Big name celebrities and ordinary citizens alike took to Twitter to voice their support or opposition to the decision -- as well as, of course, to crack jokes. We've collected a handful of responses from around the Twitter web here.
Check them out below, then add the best or most interesting ones you've seen in the comments.
The Nat'l Council of Boy Scouts just voted to lift the ban on gay scouts. A great step forward. #BoyScouts— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) May 23, 2013
"I’ve been looking for a second thing to get mocked for, and Boy Scouts seems like a great fit." – Gay kid onion.com/13Oi02p— The Onion (@TheOnion) May 23, 2013
You're ok to be gay while ur a kid n clearly don't know what the fuck you're talking about, but u better grow out of it! - The Boy Scouts— Jason Biggs (@JasonBiggs) May 23, 2013
Good on @boyscouts for doing the morally straight thing. Really hope they extend the same respect to adults.— Rantasmo (@rantasmo) May 23, 2013
As a single mom, I've been encouraged to put my kid in Boy Scouts so he can learn "guy" stuff. Like that gay men are scary? Nah. We're good.— Kat (@Kat_Olenska) May 23, 2013
Saddened the BSA bends to the whims of political correctness. governor.state.tx.us/news/press-rel…— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) May 23, 2013
here ya go, @boyscouts, your new demographic -> RT @fyremanefoxx: @leonsarambi well I'm a Transgender Eagle Scout, I grew up in the scouts.— brooks bayne (@brooksbayne) May 23, 2013
Just to Clarify: The Boy Scouts of America Are Not Endorsing Homosexuality shar.es/ZEeFp via @christandpc this article is great..— Curt Holm (@holmzoregon) May 23, 2013
don't understand why anybody body would discriminate against a kid, gay or not #boyscouts— Daniel Bam Austin (@701BAM) May 23, 2013
Boy Scouts to allow gay scouts. Which is good 'cause the outfits could use some work.— Nathan Naze (@nanaze) May 23, 2013
I know it's not perfect, but it's a start. And, to show my approval, I just donated $ for the first time ever to the #BoyScouts— jodiw (@jodiw) May 23, 2013