N.J. court outlaws Scouts' gay ban
Philadelphia PA Inquirer 5Aug99 C9
By Thomas Ginsberg: Inquirer Trenton Bureau

TRENTON, NEW JERSEY -- The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the Boy Scouts of America's expulsion of a gay scout leader nearly ten years ago was illegal. Saying that the scouts acted with "little more than prejudice" the Court ruled that the Boy Scouts are a "public accommodation," like a public swimming pool or community youth center, and therefore may not restrict membership under the state's antidiscrimination laws.

The ruling is significantly different from decisions by courts in other states, including California, Connecticut, Kansas and Oregon and sets up a likely appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Several organizations, including the LDS Church, filed brief's supporting the Boy Scout's position. Given the Church's participation in the scouting program, and its moral position on homosexual rights, the ruling is a significant concern to the Church.