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Madonna calls for Boy Scout rule change at GLAAD Awards

Mar 18, 2013, 11:01 GMT

Madonna at the GLAAD Media Awards

Madonna has called for an end to discrimination in the Boy Scouts.

The 'Girl Gone Wild' singer addressed the crowd at the GLAAD Media Awards on Saturday night (16.03.13) in New York City, calling for a 'revolution' in the way people treat member of the gay, lesbian and transgender community and suggesting a change of rules of the youth organisation, which doesn't allow gay scouts and leaders.

The singer - who donned a traditional Boy Scouts outfit, complete with a troop leader hat and replicas of Boy Scout badges - was in attendance to give the Vito Russo Award to openly gay CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, and praised him for standing up for the rights of others.

Madonna declared: 'When I think about young kids in America who are being bullied and tortured, who are taking their own lives because they feel alone and judged, outcast and misunderstood, I want to sit down and cry a river of tears.

'I don't know about you, but I can't take this s**t anymore. That is why I want to start a revolution. It's 2013 people. We live in America, land of the free and home of the brave? That's a question, not a statement.'

The 24th annual GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Awards are held to recognise various branches of the media and their positive representations of the gay, lesbian and transgender community.

Milla Jovovich was also in attendance and pledged her support to the cause on Twitter, posting: 'Hey everyone! i'm so proud to attend the GLAAD (GAYS AND LESBIANS AGAINST DEFAMATION) AWARDS tonight! (sic)'.

She added: 'people are people and as americans we ALL DESERVE TO HAVE OUR CIVIL RIGHTS RESPECTED (sic)'

Musical show 'Smash', reality series 'The Amazing Race' and 'X Men: The Last Stand' director Brett Ratner were all honoured at the ceremony.