Boy Scouts of America files for bankruptcy

The boy scouts of America have filed for bankruptcy protection in a move that the group says will allow it to build a compensation fund for sex abuse victims.

The move follows a number of lawsuits filed against the organisation over claims of sexual abuse, alleging it failed to prevent hundreds of cases.

As a result of the move, all civil lawsuits against it are put on hold.

The group is struggling with declining membership and sex abuse settlements.