Obama backs lifting ban on gays and lesbians in boy scouts

In an interview before the Super Bowl on Sunday, President Obama voiced his support for opening membership in the Boy Scouts of America to gays and lesbians. Obama’s statement comes days after an announcement from the organization last week that stated a possible change in policy that would allow individual troop sponsors to decide for themselves whether to include gays and lesbians–revoking the long-standing organization-wide ban. LGBT activists praised the move and the president’s support, although some conservative and religious groups have voiced opposition.