Posted on 05/27/2008 11:00:52 AM PDT by Dawnsblood
The Boy Scouts of America's Philadelphia chapter has sued the City of Philadelphia in federal court to block the city's May 31 deadline for the scouts to open membership to gays and atheists, or vacate their historic 1928 headquarters off Logan Square. The civil rights lawsuit, filed Friday in federal court in Center City, contends that the city's ultimatum violates the scouts' rights under the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions.
"The City has imposed an unconstitutional condition upon Cradle of Liberty's receipt of a benefit that Cradle of Liberty has enjoyed for nearly eight decades, and that many other organizations that limit members or services to members of a particular group continue to enjoy without punishment or the threat of punishment," the scouts' lawsuit reads.
City Solicitor Shelley R. Smith said the city would respond to the federal lawsuit and would likely file an eviction motion next week.
In the meantime, Smith added, the beginning of litigation would preserve the status quo pending a court ruling. Until that ruling occurs, Smith said, the scouts will be able to continue using the headquarters building.
The suit asks the court to permanently block city officials from attempting to evict the Scouts from their building, which sits on a half-acre of city land at 22d and Winter Streets.
The Cradle of Liberty Council's predicament is one that has faced local scouting councils nationwide since a 2000 U.S. Supreme Court case the scouts won.
The national organization appealed the ruling in a suit filed by an openly gay New Jersey scout barred from serving as a troop leader.
Scouts must swear an oath "to God and my country" and to "obey the Scout Law" that includes keeping oneself "physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight."
(Excerpt) Read more at philly.com ...
i for one am damn glad to see people fighting back against this PC crap that has been going on for decades now, in all aspects of life.......do not sit idly by and take the crap, throw it back in their faces
The first thing these scouts need to be taught is how to move out of Fast Eddies whorehouse, otherwise known as Philthadelphia, and move to a town where at least the sports teams don’t suck quite so bad.
Even better they should persue a judgement that forces the city of Philadelphia to reimburse them for all legal expenses. The city reneged on their contract with the Boy Scouts.
My total Apologies and Your Statement should be Published for Its Understanding and Forsight.
Unfortunately, the Girl Scouts are now an “inclusive” group, meaning they are happy to have lesbians on their national staff and as troop leaders. That’s why you won’t see them persecuted as the Boy Scouts have been.
What is the Fair Market Value of this Beautiful landmark Building?? If tthe City wants to opt out of its agreement with the Boy Scouts, then the City must pay the Boy Scouts the full value of the property today as opposed to forcing the full rental lease the gay liberals demand.
Ever notice that this is another continuing problem that the GOP never talks about?
My understanding is that it is up to the local counsels whether they go along with that or not, that it is not mandatory. I could be wrong, but that has been my understand for the 3 years my daughter has been in GS.
“...the fact remains that the city currently owns the building.”
Good for the Scouts. I hope they kick the city’s ass in court.
As an organization the Girl Scouts have chosen not to exclude people from membership or leadership based on sexual orientation.
Not at all. The Scouts are free to continue restricting their membership. Philly is saying that they just need to do it in another building.
There is no contract and no lease, otherwise the Scouts could be fighting that out in court and probably winning. There was a verbal agreement, which is unenforceable.
The idea is to make the Mayor or whoever shrink in front of the cameras, as liberals do to Republican politicians.
I was going to suggest Kansas City, seeing as how we're in America's heartland and all. But then you threw in that requirement about the sports teams
......As an organization the Girl Scouts have chosen not to exclude people from membership or leadership based on sexual orientation.....
Lesbians for lesbians
“Not at all. The Scouts are free to continue restricting their membership. Philly is saying that they just need to do it in another building”
Ok. I guess with a little research we could find another private organization with restrictive membership using a public building in Philly...say the girl scouts?
A Democratic politician...supporting a gay cause...shrinking in front of cameras? Are we thinking about the same Democratic party?
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