Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 today in Mahmoud v. Taylor that parents can opt their children out of public school lessons with LGBTQ+-themed books if it conflicts with their religious beliefs.
Justice Samuel Alito’s majority opinion stated this protects parental rights and does not harm educational standards, given the young age of the students. The case arose from Montgomery County, Maryland, where the school district included such books in its 2022 curriculum. Parents, backed by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, argued for notification and opt-out rights.
The ruling requires schools to inform parents and allow opt-outs, potentially affecting education nationwide. Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, warning that the decision could undermine public education’s role in fostering a multicultural society. This ruling aligns with recent trends expanding religious rights in education and follows a period of increased book challenges, particularly against LGBTQ+ content.
