The Supreme Court ruled Friday that Maryland parents can opt their children out of public school lessons that conflict with their religious beliefs. In a 6–3 decision along ideological lines, the justices sided with parents in Mahmoud v. Taylor over content involving LGBTQ themes.
“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,” Justice Samuel Alito wrote in the majority opinion. He said public education can’t be conditioned on accepting such instruction.
Montgomery County Public Schools had included books with LGBTQ characters in its preschool through 12th grade curriculum. District attorneys claimed it was part of a push for cultural responsiveness and values like equity and respect.
But parents objected to books promoting gender transitions, Pride parades, and same-sex romance — especially for elementary-aged students. The district had originally allowed parents to opt out, but later ended the policy.
That reversal sparked the legal battle. Parents argued it violated their First Amendment rights by pressuring them to abandon religious practices. They said it forced them into an impossible position.
The lead plaintiffs, Tamer Mahmoud and Enas Barakat, are Muslim. Other parents involved came from various Christian denominations. Together, they argued the curriculum directly undermined the religious teachings they try to instill at home.
During oral arguments, Justice Clarence Thomas asked whether the books were simply available or actively used in lessons. School attorneys admitted teachers led lessons involving the books five times throughout the year.
Rosalind Hanson of Moms for Liberty said the lawsuit wasn’t about banning the curriculum entirely. “We’re not trying to change the curriculum for others,” she said. “But many states allow parents to opt out of sensitive topics — especially for religious or age-appropriateness reasons. That’s all we’re asking for.”