Carly Rae Jepsen Joins Train In Boycotting Boy Scouts

Citing the organization’s ban on allowing gay members, Carly Rae Jepsen pulls out of this year’s Boy Scouts 2013 Jamboree.  Issuing her decision via Twitter, The “Call Me Maybe” singer said she “believes in equality for all people.”

Photo: Chris McKay / WireImage.com
Philips Arena, Atlanta, Ga.

Jepsen is the second act to cancel a Boy Scouts Of America Appearance.  Train posted a message on its official website March 1 saying the band might reconsider if the organization changes its policy and allows gay members.  Set for July 15-24 in West Virginia, the Jamboree takes place two months after the Boy Scouts are scheduled to vote on whether to drop its gays-not-allowed policy.

Jepsen’s announcement comes after more than 62,000 people signed onto gay Eagle Scout Derek Nance’s Change.org petition urging the artist to denounce the organization’s ban on gays.

 “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 tweeted.

Train’s announcement was a bit longer.  Of course, posting on the band’s website instead of Twitter meant they didn’t have to deal with the latter’s 140 character limit.

Photo: Courtesy of Steve Pouliot
Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion, Gilford, N.H.

“When we booked this show for the Boy Scouts of America we were not aware of any policy barring openly gay people from participation within the organization. Train strongly opposes any kind of policy that questions the equality of any American citizen.  We have always seen the BSA as a great and noble organization.  We look forward to participating in the Jamboree this summer, as long as they make the right decision before then.”

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