LAGUNA BEACH : Task Force to Lobby Scouts for Gay Rights

Residents can apply to join a task force being formed to lobby the Boy Scouts of America to change its policy of banning gays from joining the Police Explorer program.

The City Council proposed the task force because it is concerned that Laguna Beach, which bans discrimination against gays, also has the Boy Scout-sponsored Police Explorer program.

The city has already advised the Boy Scouts that it will not discriminate.

But Boy Scout officials have said that the city has agreed to follow the group’s rules by having the explorer program.

In addition to trying to change the policy of the Boy Scouts, task force members will consider alternative programs similar to the Police Explorers.

The goal is to eventually have in place a program open to all residents.

The task force will report back to the City Council in six months.

The city is seeking task force members who represent parents, youth, gay rights groups and the public.

To be considered, residents must fill out an application--available at the city clerk’s office--and identify which group they represent.

Completed applications must be returned to the city clerk’s office by 5 p.m. May 12.

All applicants will be interviewed by the City Council at its 6 p.m. meeting on May 17.