On Friday, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced that they would not be renewing their partnership with the Boy Scouts of America this year.  Although there was no specific reason given, there is much speculation that MLS ended this partnership due to the Boy Scouts’ recent reaffirmation of their anti-gay stance.

The original agreement between MLS and the Boy Scouts provided for access to MLS players and coaches and special programming just for Scouts. Over the last season, the Boy Scouts have had the opportunity to conduct community service projects and be selected for in-game ceremonies at MLS stadiums, for “Scout Nights” and for local MLS players to lead discussions with Scouts on topics such as fitness and leadership. You know who has not had that opportunity?  Any Boy Scout who openly identified as gay.

It’s unlikely that MLS will ever openly say why the ended the relationship.  However, regardless of their motivation, sports organizations that sever ties with anti-gay groups will always be winners to us.

Lydia and I would like to apologize for our extended vacation.  We could blame it on the hours of preparation we’ve been doing for Olympics coverage, but that would be all lies.  Our work and personal lives got very, very busy over the last three weeks, but we’ll be blogging right up to and through the Olympics on all your gender-related needs.  Got a topic you think we should cover or a favorite Olympic sport for female athletes?  (I am quite partial to the whitewater kayaking!)  Let us know, and we’ll do our best to give it some due!  Leave a comment below, or email us at bloomergirlsblog@gmail.com.