Miriam Hill and Sam Wood, Inquirer Staff Writers
The Boy Scouts of America on Monday said it was considering admitting gay members and leaders, a policy reversal that would have special resonance in Philadelphia, where the city and local scouts are fighting the issue in court.

The national group, which has been under heavy pressure from gay leaders and financial backers to end its ban, said the change could be announced as early as next week, after the BSA's national board concludes a regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 6. The meeting will be closed to the public.

"Currently, the BSA is discussing potentially removing the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation," Deron Smith, a spokesman for the national organization, said in a statement.

Any change would still give local scouting groups final say on who can belong and lead, according to the statement.

"The Boy Scouts would not, under any circumstances, dictate a position to units, members or parents. Under this proposed policy, the BSA would not require any chartered organization to act in ways inconsistent with that organization's mission, principles or religious beliefs," the statement said.  Read more at Philly.com