Train Refuse to Play Boy Scouts Event Unless Ban on Gay Scouts Is Lifted

Train have made a public statement against the Boy Scouts' longstanding ban on scouts from the LGBQT community by refusing to perform at the Boy Scout Jamboree unless the band is lifted, according to Queerty. The pop-rockers were set to play the July event in West Virginia with Carly Rae Jepsen, but a recent Change.org petition by gay Eagle Scout Derek Nance urging the musicians to take action got their attention when GLAAD signed on for the cause on March 1st. The petition convinced Train to boycott the event, and they released a statement on their blog.

Photos: Big Game Weekend 2013 –  Train

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

The Change.org petition has been regeared in hopes that Jepsen will speak out as well. Jepsen's video for "Call Me Maybe" featured a male couple kissing, and she told Time last May that she has always supported gay marriage.