STAR TREK’S GEORGE TAKEI DOES NY PRIDE IN SCOUT’S UNIFORM

Star Trek star George Takei has taken part in Sunday’s New York Pride parade dressed as a boy scout to highlight the organisation’s anti-gay stance.

Takei – who is openly gay and is best known as Sulu in the classic 60s sci-fi series – joined lesbian mom Jennifer Tyrrell in the procession.

Tyrrell was earlier this year removed as the leader of her son’s Boy Scouts troop because she’s gay.

“Some of my best memories from my boyhood are of my scouting days. We learned teamwork and brotherhood from camping together. The Boy Scouts built my character,” Takei told the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

“As an adult, I was shocked and deeply disappointed to learn that the Scouts discriminate against LGBT people. This is contrary to the ideals of equality and fair play that I hold dear. The Boy Scouts must change,” he said.

Lesbians and gays have been prohibited from becoming members or serving in leadership positions in the Boy Scouts of America since 1991.

Almost 300,000 people have signed a petition created by Tyrrell which calls on the organisation to end its homophobic policy.

An estimated two million people took part in Sunday’s Pride parade in New York City, marking the first anniversary of the state legalising same-sex marriage.

The event was led by singer Cyndi Lauper, who was the parade’s grand marshal. Mr. Gay South Africa 2012 Lance Weyer also took part.