Carly Rae Jepsen Cancels Boy Scouts Jamboree Concert Over Organization's Gay Ban

Singer follows the band Train in backing out of the group's annual summer show

By Peter Gicas Mar 05, 2013 5:25 PMTags
Carly Rae JepsenCourtesy of Tonya Wise

Carly Rae Jepsen has answered the call to pull out of performing at the Boy Scouts of America's National Scouting Jamboree.

The decision comes after the singer was urged through an online petition and by GLAAD to denounce the organization's national ban on gay Scouts and gay Scout leaders.

"As an artist who believes in equality for all people, I will not be participating in the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree this summer," Jepsen tweeted on Tueday.

She added, "I always have and will continue to support the LGBT community on a global level...and stay informed on the ever changing landscape in the ongoing battle for gay rights in the country and across the globe."

GLAAD commented on Jepsen's decision earlier today, telling E!, "There are so few anti-gay music artists and celebrities today, but perhaps Victoria Jackson or Chuck Norris are available to headline the jamboree."

The band Train, who were also scheduled to perform, opted to back out of the annual event last Friday. The group told E! News in a statement they were "not aware of any policy barring openly gay people from participation within the organization" when they booked the show.

Meanwhile, as of Tuesday morning, more than 62,000 people have signed the Change.org petition created by gay Eagle Scout Derek Nance.