The National Secular Society has filed a complaint with the Equality and Human Rights Commission about new Scouts being asked to sign a religious promise.
Keith Porteous Wood, executive director of the National Secular Society, said: "Two-thirds of teenagers define themselves as non-religious, and the only way they can join the Scouts is to lie. It is intolerable they should be put in this position."
A spokesman for the Scout Association said helping the UK's 400,000 youth members develop in their own faith is a key component of its work. "The aim of the association is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities," he said. "Since its inception in 1907 Scouting has welcomed young people and adults from all faiths."
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