Street Talk
© 2007 Philadelphia Gay News
Should the Boy Scouts be allowed to operate in a city-owned building if they pay rent?

Melissa Jacobson
graduate student
Antique Row

“Yes, the Scouts are a charitable organization. I’m totally against their anti-gay policy. But that’s not all they’re about. They do some good. But make them pay top-dollar rent. They’re really pushing their luck to be in the building.”

Thomas Johnson
military supplier
Frankford

“No. The Boy Scouts discriminate. They don’t belong in a city facility. It’s like telling me I can’t go into City Hall because I’m black. That’s ridiculous. Let them be in a private building.”


Jose Marrero
university professor
Washington Square West

“No. Their membership policy is too restrictive. If they’re going to be in a city building, they should let everyone inside, regardless of sexual orientation. The city, as a public entity, needs to keep a distance from the Scouts.”

Cheryl Smith
student
Washington Square West

“Yes. They’re going to be in Philadelphia, either way. So why make them leave a building they’ve been in for years? I don’t appreciate their policy against gays. But they’re a private group. If people take it personally, they’re being petty. Also, the rent makes their anti-gay views a bit easier to go down.”