Boy Scouts of America announces new gender-neutral name – and conservatives aren’t taking it well

The largest scouting organisation in the US announced on Tuesday (7 May) that it will change its name to Scouting America as part of an initiative to make everyone feel welcome.

“Though our name will be new, our mission remains unchanged,” Boy Scouts of America president, Roger A Krane, said in a statement.

“We are committed to teaching young people to be prepared. For life. This will be a simple but very important evolution as we seek to ensure that everyone feels welcome in Scouting.”

The change is expected to come into effect by February 2025 on the organisation’s 115th anniversary, according to the Boy Scouts of America.