Boy Scout Board Supports Gay Member's Eagle Scout Bid

But final decision up to national board for review

A district Boy Scout review board in California, overruling a local Scoutmaster, has challenged the national organization's ban on gays by formally recommending that an openly gay former Scout be awarded the top rank of Eagle Scout.

Ryan Andresen, 18, of Moraga, Calif., and his parents drew national attention in October after his Scoutmaster refused to sign his Eagle Scout application because of his sexual orientation, even though he met all the qualifications.

For his Eagle Scout project, Ryan built a "Tolerance Wall" for his former middle school to show victims of bullying that they are not alone.