Transgender youths targeted in Scouting America changes pushed by Pentagon

"Hegseth said in a video posted on X that Scouting America will require its members to use their "biological sex at birth and not gender identity." He said applications will list only options for male and female and the one checked must match the applicant's birth certificate. The group would clarify that youths of opposite genders assigned at birth cannot share bathrooms, tents or other similar spaces, he said."

"Hegseth said the Pentagon will "vigorously review" the changes Scouting America has made in six months and cease its support of the organization if it fails to comply. "We hope that doesn't happen, but it could," Hegseth said. "Ideally, I believe the Boy Scouts should go back to being the Boy Scouts as originally founded, a group that develops boys into men. Maybe someday.""

"Under Hegseth, the Pentagon has taken aim at the military's partnership with Scouting America, decrying its historic rebrand in 2024 from the Boy Scouts of America and other changes in recent years that he sees as part of "woke culture" efforts that he wants to root out."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Scouting America will implement several policy changes at the Pentagon's urging, including restrictions on transgender youth participation. The organization will require members to use their biological sex at birth rather than gender identity, with applications listing only male and female options matching birth certificates. Additionally, youth of different genders assigned at birth cannot share bathrooms, tents, or similar spaces. Other changes include discontinuing the Citizenship in Society merit badge, introducing a Military Service merit badge, and waiving registration fees for military children. Hegseth stated the Pentagon will vigorously review compliance and cease support if Scouting America fails to comply. He expressed hope that the organization would return to its original mission of developing boys into men.

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