MADISON, Wis. -- The Madison City Council is stirring up some fireworks of its own when it comes to Rhythm and Booms.

This week, it voted to ban the Boy Scouts from receiving any of the proceeds from the event.

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Rhythm And Booms Bans Boy Scouts

Over the past 12 years, Rhythm and Booms donated more than one-third of $1 million to area charities. Last year, the Boy Scouts received $2,500.

The City Council said the Boy Scouts are not getting the money because of the group's disapproval of a gay lifestyle.

"Only in Madison can the Boy Scouts be controversial," said Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.

Typically this group, along with about a dozen other charities, receives some of the proceeds from Rhythm and Booms.

This year, it'll cost about $600,000 to put on the event, with more than $61,000 coming from the city.

Alders like Steve Holtzman said this gives the council a say in charitable contributions.

"For the city funds that go into this event to some way be distributed to that organization or any organization that discriminates would be sending a very unfortunate message to the community," said Holtzman.

Cieslewicz disagrees, saying this sends a terrible message.

"Alder Holtzman put this in at the last minute without warning. No opportunity for real thoughtful debate," Cieslewicz said. "Terry Kelly wasn't there, he didn't think it was controversial ... certainly the Boy Scouts didn't think it'd be controversial."

In a statement, the Four Lakes Boy Scouts Council said:

"It is unfortunate that the City Council of Madison has chosen to focus its energies on the very thin thread that connects our council to the Rhythm and Booms event.

The Four Lakes Council will continue to put the best interests of the community first."

Despite the council's decision, the Boy Scouts said they'd have hundreds volunteering at this summer's festival.