NEW ORLEANS — One of two men accused in a 2005 rape on the Tulane campus went on trial Wednesday, when the first witness took the stand.

The defense team argued to prevent evidence that includes photographs of their clients’ anatomies out of the courtroom, but the judge ordered the evidence to be allowed.

Defense attorney Robert Jenkins said his client and another man might have to expose themselves during trial.

“They say it helps the case because, allegedly, one perp is circumcised and one not circumcised,” Jenkins said.

New Orleans police arrested Tyrone Wilson and Hampton Franklin in June, 2005. They’re accused of raping a Tulane employee in a campus office in the middle of the day.

Investigators said two men approached the 49-year-old victim and asked for directions.

Detectives said she gave the two men what they wanted, but they returned to her building near Plum Street and, according to police, the suspects sexually assaulted and pistol-whipped her after demanding money.

Now, the prosecution plans to have a doctor photograph the defendants’ penises and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has nodded its assent. Judge Author Hunter calls the evidence relevant, though Jenkins calls it bizarre.

“If it is or isn’t doesn’t mean they committed the crime,” Jenkins said. “I’ve never seen it before. Even in fiction, you don’t see this kind of stuff.”

Jury selection for the case wrapped up Tuesday. The trial starts Wednesday at 11 a.m.