Carly Rae Jepsen Cancels Scout Jamboree over Gay Policies - East Idaho News
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Carly Rae Jepsen Cancels Scout Jamboree over Gay Policies

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070512 CarlyRaeJepsen?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1362509522964 Chris Polk/Getty Images via ABC(NEW YORK) — Carly Rae Jepsen has now dropped out of a gig at this year’s Boy Scouts National Jamboree, in protest of the organization’s ban on gay Scouts and gay Scout leaders.  

She follows fellow performers Train, who did the same in response to an online petition started by gay Eagle Scout Derek Nance. The petition called on both Train and Jepsen to denounce the organization’s policies and not perform at the event.

“As an artist who believes in equality for all people, I will not be participating in the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree this summer,” Jepsen posted to Twitter.

She added, “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.”

Over 62,000 people have signed the petition as of Tuesday morning.

“We appreciate everyone’s right to express an opinion and remain focused on delivering a great Jamboree program for our Scouts,” Deron Smith, the director of public relations for Boy Scouts of America, said in a statement to ABC News. He did not say whether or not they will replace Jepsen and Train.

The pressure on the organization to allow gays to be scouts and scout masters has roiled the scouting. The BSA ruled out a change in its policies earlier this year, then edged towards a decision to allowing gays, and finally put off any change in policy until the executive board votes in May.

The jamboree is scheduled for July 15-24 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve adjacent to the New River Gorge in West Virginia.

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