SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (BP) -- Altering the Boy Scouts of America's longstanding national membership policy to allow homosexuals would undermine a Supreme Court decision in the organization's favor and expose the Scouts to a "flood of litigation," Alliance Defending Freedom has warned in a letter to Scout leadership.

In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Boy Scouts' policy of accepting for membership only those who adhere to the values in the Scout Oath and Law, which includes a promise to be "morally straight."

"BSA's consistent adherence to its values as embodied in the Scout Oath and Law were important factors that led to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in BSA's favor when its membership policy was challenged as a violation of a state public accommodations law," ADF said.

Scout leadership has entertained the idea that changing its policy would protect the organization from discrimination lawsuits, yet ADF said it would have the opposite effect.

"We write to alert BSA to the legal consequences of giving in to the demands of those who oppose or wish to change BSA's values," a summary of the letter circulated March 12 states.

"Giving in will not alleviate their demands nor will it avoid legal liability for BSA or its many councils, charters, and troops. It is not legally necessary for BSA to sacrifice its history or its principles in the face of growing threats," the legal organization said. Read More