Carly Rae Jepsen is “praying” the Scouts end their ban against homosexuals.
The Canadian singer hopes her boycott of this summer’s National Scout Jamboree helps change the Boy Scouts of America’s policy on prohibiting gay Scouts and Scout leaders from being admitted into their programmes.
Carly Rae pulled out of a planned performance at the July gig in West Virginia as she is a proponent of LGBT civil rights.
“It was sort of one of those things that I kind of have my opinions about, and everyone's entitled to their own, but it wasn't necessarily something that I felt comfortable backing once I learned more about it," she told MTV News.
“Here’s hoping they make the right decision and I'm praying that moves like this will help."
Carly Rae was the second act to cancel her appearance at the nine-day event, with band Train also refusing to perform.
The singer announced her decision to pull out on her Twitter page last month.
"As an artist who believes in equality for all people, I will not be participating in the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree this summer,” she wrote.
“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 this country and across the globe."
Nearly 500,000 people have signed a petition on Change.Org protesting the Boy Scout policy.
Carly Rae’s response comes after a call from pressure group GLAAD to boycott the event.
A Boy Scouts spokesperson addressed the furore in a statement to MTV News.
"We appreciate everyone's right to express an opinion and remain focused on delivering a great Jamboree programme for our Scouts,” they said.
