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Merck Ends Contributions To Boy Scouts Over Anti-Gay Policy

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. (AP) - Merck's charitable foundation has stopped giving money to the Boy Scouts of America.

The Merck Foundation says the Boy Scouts' exclusion of gays from its ranks and leadership positions conflicts with giving guidelines and the company's nondiscrimination policy.

The foundation says it will reconsider giving money to the Boy Scouts if they change their policy on sexual orientation.

Merck CEO Kenneth C. Frazier was a scout in his youth. He received the ``Good Scout'' Award from the Philadelphia Cradle of Liberty Boy Scout Council in June.

Records show the foundation gave $30,000 to The Boy Scouts of America in 2011 and $10,000 to the Cradle of Liberty Council.

Merck is a pharmaceutical and health company based in Whitehouse Station, N.J.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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