The Philadelphia Cradle of Liberty Boy Scouts council appeared to be setting a good precedent. Countering the Boy Scouts’ national ban on homosexuals, the Cradle of Liberty chose to adopt an anti-discrimination policy. Eighteen-year-old Life Scout Gregory Lattera was particularly pleased with the decision and made public his gayness at a local press conference. The Liberty Cradle responded to Gregory’s announcement in writing:

"We have received information that has compelled us to revoke your registration. We therefore request that you sever any relationship you may have with the Boy Scouts of America." Turns out it’s okay to be gay, just do it quietly.

"The don’t ask, don’t tell policy is pretty clear," said council chief executive officer William T. Dwyer, though no such stipulation appears in the adopted policy.

"It breaks my heart," said Lattera. "I’m not just another gay kid. I’m a real person. I want people to know who I am." Lattera plans to appeal the ouster.

» Scott Saxon