PHILADELPHIA — The local Boy Scout council in Philadelphia has formally sanctioned a policy that allows gay adults to serve as scout leaders.

The Cradle of Liberty Council vote Friday bans discrimination based on sexual orientation for scouts, leaders and employees.

Board president Jim Papada says the unanimous vote affirms what has been the council’s practice in recent years.

The council serves about 15,000 scouts in the Philadelphia region.

The Boy Scouts of America now allows gay scouts but not gay leaders.

National president Robert Gates said last month that he believes that ban cannot hold.

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The Cradle of Liberty Council has tried to walk a fine line between Philadelphia anti-discrimination laws and the longtime ban on gay scouts.

The dilemma led to a 2010 trial and a decision to move out of a city-owned building.

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