Photo: WENN

Carly Rae Jepsen Tickets

Carly Rae Jepsen and Train have cancelled scheduled appearances at the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree due to perceived homophobia within the organisation.

Both artists were supposed to perform at the event on 15-24 July, but have refused to take part in it after a gay rights controversy involving the organisation.

Boy Scout leader Derek Nance came out as gay earlier this year, and was fired from his position because of it.

Posting on Twitter, Carly Rae said, "As an artist who believes in equality for all people I will not be participating in the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree this summer...

"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."

Train also cancelled, saying, "When we booked this show for the Boy Scouts of America we were not aware of any policy barring openly gay people from participation within the organisation. Train strongly opposes any kind of policy that questions the equality of any American citizen.

"We have always seen the BSA as a great and noble organisation. We look forward to participating in the Jamboree this summer, as long as they make the right decision before then."

The poster used on GLAAD to encourage people to sign the petition

Derek had started a petition a few days earlier to ask Carly Rae and Train to speak out about the Boy Scouts' 'ban on gay youth'. The petition got over 64,000 supporters.

Derek wrote in the petition, "As a talented artists with incredibly loyal LGBT fans around the globe, I hope they will speak out quickly, and urge the Boy Scouts to end its dangerous anti-gay policy."

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