Panel Backs Program Tied to Boy Scouts

The Police Commission voted Tuesday to retain its contract with a youth program despite the program’s relationship to the Boy Scouts of America, which bans gay people.

The Learning for Life program serves youth interested in law enforcement careers.

In a 3-2 vote, the commissioners supported the program but asked the city attorney’s office to study its relationship to the Scouts.

Commissioner Dean Hansell, who is openly gay, said children in the LAPD’s Explorers program--which functions under Learning for Life--sometimes buy their clothes at Scout-owned supply stores.