NEW YORK (August 8, 2012)--President Barack Obama, who is honorary president of the Boy Scouts of America, opposes the youth organization's policy of excluding gays as members and adult leaders, the White House said Wednesday.

The Boy Scouts say they respect Mr. Obama's opinion and believe that "good people" can disagree on the subject and still work together to "accomplish the common good."

Last month, after a confidential two-year review, the Scouts reaffirmed the longstanding policy, which has been the target of numerous protest campaigns.

For three weeks, the White House didn't comment on the Scouts' decision, but on Wednesday, the press office told The Associated Press that Mr. Obama believes the BSA is a valuable organization, but that he opposes discrimination in all forms including the Scouts' policy.