PROGRESS

LDS Church Backs Gay Boy Scouts

Endorsement falls ahead of May 22 decision.

The Boy Scouts of America's proposal to admit gay scouts looks like it will be moving forward after the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints unofficially endorsed the move on Thursday. The LDS Church, better known as the Mormon Church, is the country's largest scout sponsor, supporting 25 percent of the country's troops. The initial statement from the LDS was vague, calling the proposal "thoughtful" and saying it contained "positive things.” A spokesman then clarified the statement Friday, saying the church does support the proposal, and will continue its relationship with the Boy Scouts. The final decision will be made at the group's annual meeting, set to begin May 22.