(CNN) Openly gay youths will be allowed to join scouting, delegates to the annual meeting of the Boy Scouts of America voted Thursday. The organization's 1,400-member national council voted for the historic policy change, which will take effect January 1.
The resolution was adopted with more than 60% of the vote. "No youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone," says the approved resolution.
The BSA will maintain its ban on gay adult leaders.