Carly Rae Jepsen Backs Out Of Boy Scouts Concert Because She Gives A Hoot About LGBTQ People
Boy Scouts don’t seem to making many friends lately. The organization that took two years to debate whether LGBTQ members should be allowed, decided no way — briefly considered otherwise — and then doubled down on no way, will no longer have Carly Rae Jepsen on their headlining tour. The 27-year-old singer says that she can’t get down with people who discriminate against queer children and grownups. “Call Me When You Rethink That Anti-Gay Policy — Maybe?”
In a tweet this morning, the “Call Me Maybe” chanteuse says that she will be bowing out of the 2013 National Scouting Jamboree in West Virginia, slated for July:
People magazine reports that the band Train has not officially cancelled, but has “promised to cancel” if the ban is not overturned in May.
Jepsen apparently began to rethink her appearance after a Change.org petition procuring over 60,000 signatures asked the Canadian singer not to play. The petition was started by gay Eagle Scout Derek Nance, who said:
“I came out as gay because I realized the best way to help end this dangerous policy is to stand up, speak out and tell the organization I love to do the right thing,” Nance said in a statement. “A Scout is brave, and I’m thrilled that Carly Rae and Train have joined me in standing up for what is right,” the statement continued. “I hope the Boy Scouts of America also choose to be brave this May.”
Perhaps you guys can book a 13th century Scottish bagpipes band or something. You know, a dated sound to match your archaic beliefs.
(photo: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock)
