Perry: Scouts can exclude gays

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AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Texas Gov. Rick Perry said he sees no reason for the Boy Scouts of America to change its policy excluding gay scouts or scoutmasters.

Asked by reporters at the Capitol Saturday in Austin, Perry, a Republican, said he thinks most people don't think the scouting organization should have to change its policy and be forced to accept gay members.

"And neither do I," he said after that.

The Austin American-Statesman said Perry, who is opposed to gay marriage and other equality efforts by LGBT groups, said sexuality isn't one of the many lessons scouting should teach young boys.

"Scouting is about teaching a substantial amount of life lessons," he said. "Sexuality is not one of them, never has been, doesn't need to be."

The scouting organization reaffirmed its controversial stance against homosexuals last year though later this year it will consider whether to let individual troops determine whether to admit gay scouts.