Pascal Tessier of Kensington, Maryland
has become the first openly gay Boy Scout to achieve the highest rank
of Eagle Scout.
According to the AP, Tessier received a
sustained round of applause on Monday when the scoutmaster of Boy
Scout Troop 52 officially declared Tessier an Eagle.
The achievement comes only a few weeks
after the Boy Scouts of America lifted a ban on gay youth. In the
run-up to last year's decision, Tessier spoke out in favor of lifting
the ban, giving numerous interviews. However, Tessier, who is 17,
will not be allowed to continue in the program when he turns 18.
That's because openly gay adults are not allowed to participate in
the Boy Scouts.
Tessier told NBC
Washington last year that he wants to continue in the program.
“So simply I want to see adults being
able to say, 'I'm openly gay,' and I want to lead other scouts and
teach them how to become leaders,” Tessier said.