Perry disapproves of gays in Boy Scouts

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The debate over allowing gays into the Boy Scouts grows. Thousands of people from the organization marched in downtown Austin Saturday. Governor Rick Perry was there voicing his opinion.

It's the Texas Scouts' 64th annual Report to State Event, where hundreds of troops from around Texas took to the Capitol Saturday.

This years theme, "Prepared for the Future," a concept the organization is dealing with first hand, as a decision to allow openly gay members looms ahead. Some members are prepared to stand against it.

“It’s not hate its not bigotry it’s about my choice to raise my children in what I perceive to be Christian values. If yours are different take your values somewhere people agree with you,” said Boy Scouts Troop Leader Chris Kirby

At the event Governor Rick Perry addressed the crowd. He spoke of his own experiences in the Boy Scouts as an Eagle Scout. He also made it clear that his opinion on adding openly gay members hadnt changed since he wrote about the issue in his 2008 book titled "On My Honor".

"Scouting is about teaching a substantial amount of life lessons, sexuality is not one of them never has been and doesn't need to be," said Governor Rick Perry.

A decision could come as soon as next week. If passed individual troops would hold the right to decide whether to allow gay members or not. It's an idea some are on board with.

“I hope the decision is left up to the charter organizations. It’s really depending on your group and who is in your group and how they feel about things,” Boy Scouts troop Leader Christina Lee said.

The fight over allowing openly gay scouts isn't over.

The National Executive Board for scouts will meet from Monday until Wednesday.

Already several groups including the Conservative group Texas Values plan to rally near the Scouting national headquarters in Irving.