Canada

Photo: CTV

In the wake of Carly Rae Jepsen's cancellation of her Boy Scouts of America performance due to the group's exclusion of gays, Scouts Canada is reaffirming its stance on inclusiveness -- and says Jepsen is welcome at their jamboree.

The Canadian pop star said on Twitter that "as an artist who believes in equality for all people" she was pulling out of the BSA's jamboree in July. Rock band Train also warned that it won't appear unless the organization stops barring participation by gay scouts or adult leaders.

BSA director of publicity Deron Smith said the organization appreciates "everyone's right to express an opinion" and remained focused on staging its jamboree.

In May, the Boy Scouts of America's 1,400-member National Council is expected to consider a proposal to ease the ban by allowing sponsors of local Scout units to decide for themselves whether to admit gays.

Meanwhile, the co-ed Scouts Canada -- which is distinct and separate from the BSA -- clearly stipulates it "does not discriminate for reasons of gender, culture, religious belief or sexual orientation."

In 2001, the organization's social justice and diversity policy reaffirmed its stance on the issue of discrimination, noted Kaylee Galipeau, national youth commissioner and chair of the national youth network for Scouts Canada.

When it comes to those who may automatically associate or try to link the Canadian and American scouting organizations, Galipeau wouldn't say the Canadian group is concerned. But the recent events surrounding the BSA have offered a chance to remind individuals that Scouts Canada is "open and inclusive and always have been," she added.