Starting January 1^st The Boy Scouts of America will put in force a controversial new policy that will allow openly homosexual youth to join as members.

Following months of controversial debate, the new policy was approved back in May by the more than 1,400 scouting members. The ballot was cast over the issue as the BSA gathered for its annual meeting in Grapevine, Texas in May of 2013.

The resolution presented the question of whether forthcoming scouts should be denied membership "on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone."

"This has been a challenging chapter in our history," the BSA chief executive, Wayne Brock, said after the vote. "While people have differing opinions on this policy, kids are better off when they're in Scouting."

"The Boy Scouts of America will not sacrifice its mission, or the youth served by the movement, by allowing the organization to be consumed by a single, divisive, and unresolved societal issue," Brock continued.

However, concerned parents are questioning the new policy. Some concerns are how active a scout can be when it comes to gay rights advocacy, sleeping arrangements when out camping, as well as what to do with shower and bathroom space.

The BSA has responded saying although scouts can acknowledge their sexual orientation, they will not be allowed to distribute or promote information of a sexual nature and as far as personal space is concerned, they have simply said they will encourage leaders to provide more privacy for scouts.

Many religious groups that believe homosexuality is sin withdrew their backing of the BSA following their vote to implement the new measures. Over 75 percent of scout sponsorship is provided by religious groups.

Back in May, John Stemberger, founder of OnMyHonor.net, which opposed the resolution, called the vote a "sad day for Scouting."

He claimed that scouting groups now have two options: to "segregate" gay scouts from heterosexual ones by putting them in separate tents, or "put homosexual boys with other boys and put them at risk."

"We wouldn't put boys and girls sleeping together. Why? Because they're attracted to each other," Stemberger told reporters.

Although the BSA's new policy allows gay youth to join as members, the group has kept in force its ban on gay adults from leadership roles.