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Philly, Scouts in talks over headquarters dispute
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Boy Scouts and Philadelphia officials are trying to find a way to settle a lengthy dispute over the national organization’s policy excluding gays.
In June, a federal jury decided the city had violated the Boy Scouts’ First Amendment rights by using the antigay policy as a reason to evict them from their Philadelphia offices.
After the verdict, U.S. District Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter advised both sides to try to work out a resolution.
Jason Gosselin, a lawyer who represents the Scouts, says there have been talks with the city about the issue.
City Solicitor Shelley Smith says she can’t comment on the discussions.
The city had argued that nonprofits given free use of the Fairmount Park property must abide by city anti-discrimination laws.
