Boy Scouts will pay $18,000 to transgender boy

Oakland, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey branch of the Boy Scouts has agreed to pay $18,000 to a transgender boy who was barred from joining.

The Record reports (https://njersy.co/2mNKxnn) the Northern New Jersey Council of the Boy Scouts made the agreement on Thursday after Joe Maldonado's mother, Kristie, filed a complaint with the state Civil Rights Division. Officials also gave the 9-year-old a formal apology.

Maldonado was originally refused membership to a Cub Scout pack in Secaucus because he was born a girl. The Boy Scouts then reversed their ban on transgender boys when Maldonado's story gained attention.

Maldonado was accepted by a Maplewood Cub Scout pack.

The Northern New Jersey Council has agreed to change their policies in accordance with state laws against discrimination.

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Information from: The Record (Woodland Park, N.J.), http://www.northjersey.com

Copyright 2017 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

The Gayly – March 3, 2017 @ 7:35 a.m.