City Of Philadelphia vs. Council propety

[Karen_216]

The council involved in this controversy is Cradle of Liberty Council. you can view their council site at www.COLBSA.ORG

Here is the statment from thier website:

Marks Scouting Resource Center - Building Statement 05/28/08

On Friday, May 23, 2008, the Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America filed a complaint in Federal Court against the City of Philadelphia to protect the organizations constitutional rights. This action comes after many months of discussion and every effort on the Councils part to reach an amicable resolution with city officials regarding the Councils headquarters at 22nd and Winter Streets.

 

Because its policies do not align with the views of officials in the city, the Cradle of Liberty Council was asked to vacate its historic headquarters or pay fair market rent for use of a facility the Scouts built, maintained and improved for the last 80 years at no cost to the City of Philadelphia. The First Amendment protects an organizations right to determine its own policies. To suppress those opinions or policies, as the city seeks to do here, is unconstitutional.

 

It is truly unfortunate that this debate must continue and be played out through the legal system. However, the Cradle of Liberty Council must take the necessary actions to protect its rights and ensure continued service to the 53,000-plus young men and women in Philadelphia who are its true focus.

 

Thank you for your continued support.