Train Drops Out to Protest Boy Scouts' Anti-Gay Policy

By ABC News March 4, 2013

(Neil H Kitson/Redferns/Getty Images)

Train is pulling out of a headlining gig at this year's Boy Scouts National Jamboree in protest of the organization's ban on gay scouts and gay scout leaders.

After Derek Nance, a gay Eagle Scout, started an online petition urging Train and Carly Rae Jepsen - who was also booked to perform at the Jamboree - to denounce the Boy Scouts of America's policy, the band posted a statement on their website doing just that.

"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," the statement said. "Train strongly opposes any kind of policy that questions the equality of any American citizen."

The band added, "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."

Over 5,000 people have signed Nance's petition. So far, Carly Rae Jepsen has not responded. Nance said in a statement, "I'm thrilled that my petition brought the Boy Scouts' hurtful anti-gay policy to Train's attention…more than [5,000] people are wondering, will Carly Rae Jepsen do the same?"