Costa Rica Boy Scouts Will Not Discriminate Against Gays

Costa Rica's Boy Scouts and Girl Guides said it would not discriminate based on sexual orientation.

The statement by the Costa Rica branch of the international organization came after the Boys Scouts of America (BSA) announced its decision to continue to exclude gays from its membership. The BSA is one of the largest private youth organizations in the United States.

Peggi Chávez, director of the Guías y Scouts de Costa Rica, told La Nacion that each association makes its own policies based on the laws or their country.

Chavez said the issue or rejecting gays among its members is not an issue that is under discussion, as "each person chooses what is best for their life".

Chavez added that the association in Costa Rica distinguishes from its American counterpart that it belongs to two associations, the World Organization of the Scout Movement and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, who dictate policies, but each count ry is free to modify as they deem appropriate.