07-01-2025
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Maryland public schools must allow parents to opt their children out of classes if they have religious objections to LGBTQ materials presented. The Court granted a temporary injunction pending a federal appeals court review of the case.
In 2022, a Maryland school district implemented a new curriculum for elementary schools. The new curriculum included books such as “Pride Puppy” about a family whose dog gets lost at the pride parade; “Love, Violet,” about a girl who develops a crush on a female classmate; “Born Ready,” about a transgender boy; and “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” about a same-sex union. School administrators initially gave advance notice to parents when the materials would be discussed, allowing them to opt out. However, when it led to absenteeism and exposed students from LGBTQ families to social stigma and isolation, the district stopped providing advance notice. Some Christian and Muslim parents sued, asserting the books violated the First Amendment’s protection of the free exercise of religion.
Justice Samuel Alito wrote the 6-3 opinion. He stated, “A government burdens the religious exercise of parents when it requires them to submit their children to instruction that poses ‘a very real threat of undermining’ the religious beliefs and practices that the parents wish to instill.” Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote the dissent. She stated that public schools educate children of all religions and backgrounds, helping them to live in a multicultural American society, an experience essential to the country’s “civic vitality.” While the decision is not a final ruling on the issue, it suggests that the parents will prevail in obtaining opt-outs in the end.