Rick Perry says Scouts should keep gay ban

Texas Gov. Rick Perry encouraged Boy Scouts of America to resist “popular culture” and maintain its policy against admitting gay scouts or scout leaders.

Speaking to hundreds of Boy Scouts today in Austin at the Capitol building, Perry said that lessons about sexuality have no place in the organization.

“Listen, Scouting is not a place were sexuality should be the intersection,” Perry said, The San Antonio Express News reported.

“Scouting is about teaching a substantial amount of life lessons; sexuality is not one of them, never has been and doesn't need to be.”

Perry is himself an Eagle Scout and wrote a book about his life with the Boy Scouts in 2008 called “On My Honor.”

The governor made his comments during the 64th annual Report to the State tradition where Boy Scout troops from across Texas speak about their accomplishments over the last year.

More from GlobalPost: Rick Perry’s anti-gay ad splits campaign staff

The 100-year-old Boy Scouts will debate next week changing its policy against homosexuals, The Associated Press reported.

The Scouts will vote on allowing troop sponsors, normally religious or civic groups, to admit gay members.

“I think most people see absolutely no reason to change the position and neither do I,” Perry said, the AP reported.

The meeting begins on Monday in Irving, Texas.

Perry’s comments were disappointing to gay rights activist Fred Sainz, according to the AP.

“It's a shame that Governor Perry has chosen to be on the wrong side of history,” said Sainz, a Human Rights Campaign leader.

More from GlobalPost: UPS stops Boys Scouts funding because of gay ban