JEPSEN CANCELS PERFORMANCE Jepsen Drops Boy Scouts WV Event Over Gay Rights
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Jeff Morris
Reported: Mar. 5, 2013 3:59 PM EST
Updated: Mar. 5, 2013 4:06 PM EST
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
Fayetteville, Fayette County
, West Virginia
Carly Rae Jepsen is canceling her performance at the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree because of the scouts' exclusion of gays.
Jepsen said Tuesday on Twitter that "as an artist who believes in equality for all people" she's pulling out of the July gathering in West Virginia. The event, held once every four years, is expected to draw more than 45,000.
Rock band Train also warned that it won't appear unless the organization stops barring participation by gay scouts or adult leaders. Train said on its website that it was unaware of the policy before agreeing to perform and that the organization must now make "the right decision."
Boy Scouts of America Director of Publicity Deron Smith said Boy Scouts Of America appreciates "everyone's right to express an opinion" and remains focused on staging a great jamboree.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Texas auction house to sell John Brown leg irons June 20, 2013 3:27 AM EDT The leg irons that restrained abolitionist John Brown after his failed 1859 raid on a federal arsenal in Harpers Ferry are being sold Saturday in Texas.
Sullivan offers scholarships to aspiring chefs June 20, 2013 4:02 AM EDT Sullivan University is offering $70,000 worth of scholarships to aspiring chefs as part of a program sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
Ohio police dept. pays after children handcuffed June 20, 2013 5:57 AM EDT A central Ohio police department is paying $25,000 to settle a lawsuit by the family of a young brother and sister who were handcuffed by officers after a fight on a school bus.
June 13, 2013 Rio Bravo-South Charleston; Pizza Hut-Kanawha City; Fifth Quarter makes the list. Find out who has violations and who gets the Clean Kitchen Award!