WASHINGTON — As national debate rages over gay marriage, the Supreme Court will soon consider a throwback to an earlier gay rights issue: whether states may deny Boy Scouts access to government benefits or facilities because of the group’s policy excluding gays.

The court is expected to discuss Boy Scouts of America v. Wyman, 03-956, at its conference March 5. At that conference and at one on Friday, the justices will discuss whether to grant review in dozens of cases.