The man in charge of the 12-county Boy Scout council that includes McHenry County says local troops are in a listening phase when it comes to allowing gay members and leaders.

Scout leaders here and across the country soon could be faced with deciding whether to allow gays into their individual troops after the national Boy Scouts of America board broached the topic at a recent meeting.

The board ultimately decided to table a decision on changing policy until it meets in May, when 1,400 volunteer voting members will have a chance to weigh in.