Overview

• The Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a case addressing whether the removal of opt-out rights for LGBTQ-inclusive storybook readings violates parents' First Amendment free-exercise rights.
• Montgomery County Public Schools added LGBTQ-themed books to its PreK–5 curriculum in 2022 but eliminated parental notification and opt-out options in 2023, citing administrative challenges and concerns about stigmatizing LGBTQ students.
• Parents of diverse faiths, including Muslim, Catholic, and Ukrainian Orthodox families, argue the policy forces children to participate in instruction contrary to their religious beliefs.
• The school district has since withdrawn two of the seven contested books, including 'Pride Puppy,' citing standard review procedures, though the core policy remains unchanged.
• The case has attracted significant national attention, with amicus briefs filed by 25 state attorneys general and the Trump administration supporting parental rights, while legal scholars debate the broader implications for public education and religious freedom.