April 26, 2000

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments today in a case that will determine whether the Boy Scouts of America can keep homosexuals from serving as troop leaders. The case came to the court from New Jersey, but the ruling will affect the Boy Scout movement nationwide.

The Boy Scouts claim they had the constitutional right to expel New Jersey troop leader James Dale after learning he's homosexual.

An attorney for the Scouts says Dale created a public reputation for himself as a homosexual, and that reputation would have been part of the message he sent to the Scouts in his troop. They also contend the group is so closely identified with traditional moral values it should be able to bar gays.

Dale's attorney argues the Scouts are a semi-public organization chartered by Congress to receive certain public benefits not available to other groups, and thus have a special obligation not to discriminate. He also says allowing gays doesn't harm the Scouts.

The court is expected to rule on the issue in July.

The LDS Church has filed a court brief, indicating it will withdraw from scouting, along with 400,000 plus scouts, if the high court delivers a pro-gay ruling.