Several local volunteers and troop leaders declined to comment on the Boy Scouts' Thursday decision to allow openly gay boys when reached by phone Friday, while others, including parents and grandparents, expressed support.

"I think it's great," said Laura Gates of Benton, Mo.

Her son is in his first year as a Cub Scout.

"Everyone deserves an equal opportunity no matter what their sexual preference may be," she said.

Bob Herbst, who often participates in activities with his grandson's Cape Girardeau troop, said the decision of the organization to allow openly gay members will not in any way affect the way he feels about the Boy Scouts. He hopes parents will not decide their children should leave its ranks.

"The last thing I would even consider is to take my grandson out of the program," Herbst said. "That might make a particular parent who doesn't like this feel good about their decision, but the only one it is going to hurt is the kid."

Herbst called the issue for the organization one that is "an unfortunate situation where everybody is trying to be politically correct."

"It's so sad," he said. "Unfortunately, our society has turned into where they always take whatever it is to the extreme."

John Snipes, district director of the Shawnee District of the Boy Scouts of America, which includes Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Perry and northern Scott counties, referred the Southeast Missourian to the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The national council emailed a response to a reporter's question about local opinion on the decision. The response included the organization's news release from Thursday and stated the organization had no further updates or statements and is not scheduling interviews at this time.

The Southeast Missourian also was sent an email that Ronald S. Green, Scout Executive and CEO of the Greater St. Louis Area Council, sent to district leaders with directions to send all media inquiries to his office. Green said in the email the organization stands ready to support those in the organization regarding the membership policy.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627