Disney ends funding to Boy Scouts over gay policy

LOS ANGELES - The Walt Disney Company will cut funding to the Boy Scouts of America beginning in 2015 because of a policy that bans gay adult leaders in the organization.

Deron Smith, a Boy Scouts spokesman, said in a statement Sunday that the decision will affect the organization's ability to serve children.

Disney does not provide direct funding to the Boy Scouts, but it donates money to some troops in exchange for volunteer hours completed by Disney employees.

Smith says the program has provided small grants to local Scout troops and packs.

David Jefferson, chief spokesman for The Walt Disney Company, did not respond to calls or emails.

The Boy Scouts lifted a ban on gay youth last year, but a ban on gay adult leaders remains.

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