Parents in Maryland won a Supreme Court battle to exclude their children from public school lessons featuring LGBTQ-themed books.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled 6–3 that parents in Maryland have a constitutional right to withdraw their children from public school classes featuring storybooks with LGBTQ themes.
Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority, called the opt-out a “modest” request to protect parents’ religious rights. He cited books such as “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding” and “Born Ready,” arguing they promote viewpoints some families oppose.
“This is a historic victory for parental rights,” said Eric Baxter, attorney for the parents. “Kids shouldn’t be forced into conversations about drag queens, pride parades or gender transitions without their parents’ permission.”
In a strong dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned the decision would impose “impossible administrative burdens” on schools, undermining civic education.
“That experience,” she wrote, “is critical to our nation’s civic vitality. Yet it will become a mere memory if children must be insulated from exposure to ideas and concepts that may conflict with their parents’ religious beliefs.”