In a decision that extends the U.S. Supreme Court’s growing deference to religious freedoms, the court ruled 6–3 on Friday that public schools in Maryland must allow parents to opt their children out of classes featuring LGBTQ-themed storybooks if they object on religious grounds.

The case centered on Montgomery County Public Schools, the largest school district in Maryland, and a 2022 curriculum update that introduced a series of storybooks for students in pre-K through fifth grade. The books claim to reflect ‘diverse family structures and identities, including LGBTQ experiences.’

Titles included:

• “Pride Puppy”, an A-to-Z tale set during a Pride parade;

• “Love, Violet”, a story about a girl with a crush on another girl;

• “Born Ready”, the journey of a transgender boy;

• and “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding”, which centers on a same-sex couple.

What the Court Decided

Initially, the school district allowed opt-outs for parents who objected to these materials. However, the district reversed that policy, claiming administrative difficulties, absenteeism, and concerns about isolating LGBTQ students.

Parents of various faiths — including Christian, Muslim, and Jewish families — filed suit, citing the lack of opt-out infringed on their First Amendment right to freely exercise their religion.

On Friday, the court’s conservative majority sided with the parents.

“Parents have a constitutional right to direct the religious and moral upbringing of their children,” the majority opinion stated. “Public institutions cannot compel exposure to ideas that fundamentally conflict with sincerely held beliefs, especially without offering an opt-out.”

The three liberal justices dissented, warning the ruling opens the door to broader curriculum censorship and undermines inclusive education.

“Shielding children from diversity in public schools is a step backward,” Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in dissent. “This decision gives special weight to religious objections, at the expense of equal dignity and belonging for LGBTQ children and families.”

A Broader Trend

The decision adds to a string of Supreme Court victories for religious plaintiffs, particularly in education. In recent years, the court has:

• Allowed public funding for religious schools (Carson v. Makin),

• Upheld a coach’s right to pray on a public school football field (Kennedy v. Bremerton),

• And now, recognized parental religious objections to classroom materials promoting LGBTQ agendas.

Impact in Maryland and Beyond

The school district has already removed two of the original seven books (including Pride Puppy), though it cited curriculum review procedures, not the lawsuit, as the reason. The ruling means that schools across Maryland — and potentially beyond — must provide opt-out accommodations for religious families when instruction involves LGBTQ themes or other moral issues.

Advocates for LGBTQ students and allies have expressed concern that the decision reinforces stigma and leaves queer students unprotected.

“This is not about shielding religious students — it’s about erasing families that don’t fit a narrow mold,” said one spokesperson from a Maryland-based equality group.

Meanwhile, supporters of the ruling say it protects parental rights and religious freedom, ensuring that public education does not force families to violate their core values and beliefs.

As this ruling takes effect, legal experts anticipate further litigation around curriculum content, inclusion, and the boundaries between public education and personal belief — particularly in politically divided communities.