Philly Trial to Hear From Gay Eagle Scout

A gay Eagle Scout booted from the Boy Scouts of America will testify Monday in the federal trial over whether the local Philadelphia council should be able continue a $1-per-year lease in a city-owned building despite the national organization's antigay policy.

According to KYW Newsradio 1060, the Cradle of Liberty Council tried not to discuss sexual orientation as it struggled to comply with the competing demands of the city's fair practices ordinance and the national council's gay ban.

"But that sort of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy didn't fly with the national council -- The Boy Scouts of America -- in 2003, when 18-year-old eagle scout Greg Lattera went on Philadelphia TV in his scout uniform to declare that he was gay," reported KYW. "A lawyer for the scouts says Lattera was expelled for 'advancing a personal agenda' in a scout uniform."

Lattera will testify for the city on Monday in the trial, in which Philadelphia wants the local council to pay market rent or else end the subsidized lease and vacate the city-owned space.

Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday.