Under mounting pressure, the Boy Scouts of America announced it will consider a new policy that would end one that is more than a century old, banning gays from being members of the organization.

That policy would throw out the national ban and would allow local organizations, such as Jennifer Tyrrell 's former pack in Bridgeport, to decide for themselves whether or not they would accept gays leaders or scouts. Tyrrell was the local mother who was forced out once leaders learned of her orientation.

Tyrrell and others handed over a petition with more than 275,000 signatures on it calling for an end to the policy.

"I'm hopeful. I'm encouraged by this proposal and the fact that they are even considering it after a month and a half ago being adamant that they were not going to consider it," said Tyrrell. "I think it's a huge stride. I think it's a huge accomplishment for the LGBT community, and I'm excited about it."

National leaders said they will consider the resolution, but there are no plans to change.

Regardless of what happens, Tyrrell said she is just happy to see progress, which she didn't see a month and half ago.