Kensington Boy Scout Fights for 'Eagle' Status

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School junior Pascal Tessier, a Kensington resident, told The Washington Post he would be "devastated" if he is not allowed to earn Eagle Scout status because of his sexuality.

Tessier, who is openly gay, has become a local symbol in the debate over the decades-old ban on homosexual Scouts and leaders. Delegates nationwide will vote on whether to lift the ban at the Boy Scouts of America annual meeting next month.

President Obama and gay rights groups nationwide support lifting the ban and the Tessier family has spoken out against the ban in a video interview with the BBC.

A gay Scout in California has been denied Eagle Scout status, the group's highest ranking, and a Scout den mother in Ohio was forced to resign her role because of her sexuality.

Tessier was involved in a recent demonstration organized by B-CC's Gay Straight Alliance.

He told the Post his experience as a Scout has been life-changing and he "wouldn’t be the person I am today without the Boy Scouts."