Supreme Court Signals Support for Religious Opt-Outs on LGBTQ Books

The Supreme Court ruled Friday that Maryland parents who object to LGBTQ-inclusive storybooks on religious grounds can likely opt their children out of those public-school lessons, reversing lower court decisions that had sided with the Montgomery County school system. Though the decision is not a final ruling, the justices signaled strongly that the parents are likely to prevail, applying the highest level of constitutional scrutiny to the school’s policy—a standard that often results in government actions being struck down.

Montgomery County schools introduced the books, including “Prince & Knight” and “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” in 2022 as part of a diversity initiative. Initially, the district allowed parents to opt their children out of lessons involving the books, but that policy was later reversed, sparking protests and legal action.

The case is one of several this term in which the Court has leaned toward expanding religious rights, amid a national wave of school book bans often backed by conservative groups such as Moms for Liberty. While the Education Department under President Trump dismissed past complaints about such bans, the Court’s latest move reflects its growing skepticism of policies seen as limiting religious freedom.

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.