SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 NEWS) - Parents in Salt Lake City have mixed reactions concerning a trans-gender child who was rejected from joining the Girl Scouts in Colorado.
Seven-year-old Bobby Montoya likes the Girl Scouts and wanted to fit in.
Some parents ABC 4 interviewed believe girl and boy organizations should be kept separate, no matter the child's gender. Others parents believe in integration.
"Girl Scouts of Utah, as with Girl Scouts of the USA, is an inclusive organization and we welcome all girls in kindergarten through 12th grade as members," according to a statement released by a Girl Scouts of Utah spokesperson.
But Bobby Montoya's mother is upset.
"Well what's the big deal?" asks Felisha Archuleta. "It doesn't matter how he looks. He has boy parts, he can't be in Girl Scouts."
A training and research manager with Utah Pride Center tells ABC 4 parents should be accepting of all children.
"When transgender kids are rejected and they're not allowed to do things that other kids are allowed to do, this has negative consequences on their physical and mental development," said Jude McNeil, Utah Pride Center Representative.
The Girl Scout troop later changed their minds, but Montoya's family declined their offer.
