Starting Wednesday, openly gay young men can join the Boy Scouts of America.

The battle to open the door to gay scouts was contentious and controversial, sparking protests and garnering national attention.

Last May, 61 percent of the scout’s leadership voted in favor of lifting the ban.

"No matter how you feel about this issue, kids are better off in scouting," said Chief Executive of Boy Scouts of America Wayne Broock.

"I'm also very happy, proud of the fact that the leaders finally you know did change their minds," said openly gay scout Pascal Tessier.

The ban on openly gay scout leaders remains intact.