AGESCI Scouts: sexual orientation removed from selection criteria for educational roles

Sexual orientation and gender identity must not be grounds for exclusion for those wishing to take on an educational role within the association. This is the view expressed by the Association of Italian Catholic Guides and Scouts (AGESCI) in the document *Gender Identity and Sexual and Affective Orientation*, which was approved by its council.

“AGESCI has come to the conclusion that, in the profile of a Christian educational leader, sexual orientation and gender identity cannot constitute grounds for exclusion in the discernment process that the leadership communities are called upon to carry out when an adult applies to join the association to take on an educational role”, the document states, as reported by ANSA.

The premise is that, according to “the pedagogy of welcome, rooted in the day-to-day running of our educational service”, it is “essential to promote initiatives aimed at overcoming homophobic, lesbophobic and transphobic sentiments and attitudes. Such sentiments, in fact, constitute an obstacle to recognition, inclusion and integration within our Groups, and at all levels of the organisation, for leaders and members, boys and girls alike”.

AGESCI points out that this process of reflection began with the General Council meeting in 2022. The association was entrusted with “the mandate to launch initiatives capable of creating spaces and opportunities for listening aimed at LGBTQIA+ people – leaders, boys and girls, whether currently members or former members of the Association – as well as to the Leaders’ Communities, families, Zones and Regions, gathering reflections and testimonies from all sides”.

And “in keeping with our Scout ethos,” the document goes on to say, “this journey began by listening to those who are actively involved in the movement on a daily basis, recognising their experiences as an essential starting point.”