Scott Walker Supports Boy Scouts' Ban On Gay Adults Because It 'Protects' Children

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker didn't mince words on Monday's news that the Boy Scouts of America had come one step closer to ending their ban on gay adult participants.

The Republican presidential hopeful, who has proudly referenced his years as a Boy Scout in past speeches and interviews, told Independent Journal Review July 14 he favored the organization's existing policy, which allows for gay youth participants but bars those age 18 and over.

"I have had a lifelong commitment to the Scouts," he told the publication, "and support the previous membership policy because it protected children and advanced Scout values."

Later, Walker reiterated that stance in a separate interview that same day following a campaign speech in Las Vegas.

"I think the previous policy was perfectly fine," he said.

Walker's campaign spokesperson later clarified the governor's remarks to MSNBC, noting that the heavily-criticized policy simply "protected Scouts from the rancorous political debate over policy issues and culture wars."

Still, the comments have nonetheless sparked the ire of Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Chad Griffin. In a statement posted on HRC's website, Griffin blasted the GOP presidential hopeful's words as "offensive, outrageous and absolutely unacceptable," and added, "If Scott Walker is trying to get his merit badge in being shamefully irresponsible, he just earned it with flying colors."

Previously, Walker condemned the Supreme Court's June 25 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, noting in a statement, "As a result of this decision, the only alternative left for the American people is to support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to reaffirm the ability of the states to continue to define marriage."