Boy Scouts of America v. Dale
United States Supreme Court
530 U.S. 640 (2000)
- Written by Megan Petersen, JD
Facts
The Boy Scouts of America (Scouts) (defendant), a private, not-for-profit organization engaged in instilling its system of values in young people, asserted that homosexual conduct was inconsistent with the values it sought to instill. James Dale (plaintiff) was a former Eagle Scout whose adult membership with the Scouts was revoked and status as assistant scoutmaster terminated when the Scouts learned that he was a homosexual and a gay-rights activist. Dale brought suit against the Scouts in New Jersey Superior Court, alleging that the Scouts had violated New Jersey’s public-accommodations statute and its common law by revoking Dale’s membership solely because of his homosexuality. The state court agreed, and the New Jersey Supreme Court affirmed. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Rehnquist, C.J.)
Dissent (Stevens, J.)
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