Carly Rae Jepsen has joined the group Train in pulling out of July's Boy Scouts of America Jamboree concert in West Virginia, the "Call Me Maybe" singer announced via Twitter
on Tuesday, March 5. Citing the organization's refusal to allow openly
gay or transgender candidates to join, Jepsen explained her decision in a
series of tweets.
"As an artist who believes in equality for all people, I will not be participating in the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree this summer," the 27-year-old Canadian pop star wrote. "I always have and will continue to support the LGBT community on a global level and stay informed on the ever changing landscape in the ongoing battle for gay rights in this country and across the globe."
PHOTOS: Celebrity LGBT allies
The "Tonight I'm Getting Over You" singer -- who is currently on the road with Justin Bieber -- was subsequently praised by GLAAD's vice president of communications, Rich Ferraro.
PHOTOS: Out and proud celebs
"No fair-minded media outlet, corporation or celebrity will want to partner with the BSA as long as the organization puts discrimination and anti-gay bias before the needs of young people," Ferraro told Us Weekly in a statement. "GLAAD will continue to call for partners of the BSA to speak out against the anti-gay ban until the BSA puts Scouting first and adopts a national non-discrimination policy. Carly Rae Jepsen and Train's decisions not only send the right message to the BSA, but remind LGBT young people that they are supported and accepted."
VIDEO: Get Carly Rae Jepsen's hairstyle
Train, known for hits like "Drops of Jupiter" and "Hey, Soul Sister," said they would participate in the Jamboree event if the organization changed its policy to be more inclusive.
"As an artist who believes in equality for all people, I will not be participating in the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree this summer," the 27-year-old Canadian pop star wrote. "I always have and will continue to support the LGBT community on a global level and stay informed on the ever changing landscape in the ongoing battle for gay rights in this country and across the globe."
PHOTOS: Celebrity LGBT allies
The "Tonight I'm Getting Over You" singer -- who is currently on the road with Justin Bieber -- was subsequently praised by GLAAD's vice president of communications, Rich Ferraro.
PHOTOS: Out and proud celebs
"No fair-minded media outlet, corporation or celebrity will want to partner with the BSA as long as the organization puts discrimination and anti-gay bias before the needs of young people," Ferraro told Us Weekly in a statement. "GLAAD will continue to call for partners of the BSA to speak out against the anti-gay ban until the BSA puts Scouting first and adopts a national non-discrimination policy. Carly Rae Jepsen and Train's decisions not only send the right message to the BSA, but remind LGBT young people that they are supported and accepted."
VIDEO: Get Carly Rae Jepsen's hairstyle
Train, known for hits like "Drops of Jupiter" and "Hey, Soul Sister," said they would participate in the Jamboree event if the organization changed its policy to be more inclusive.
Read more: http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/carly-rae-jepsen-cancels-boy-scouts-of-america-concert-to-support-gay-community-201353#ixzz2MmXopb6a
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