Overview

• The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a case challenging Montgomery County Public Schools' policy barring opt-outs from LGBTQ-themed storybooks.
• Parents from Muslim, Catholic, and Ukrainian Orthodox backgrounds argue the policy violates their religious rights under the First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause.
• Montgomery County officials maintain the policy is neutral and necessary to ensure inclusivity and prevent logistical challenges caused by high absenteeism from opt-outs.
• Lower courts ruled against the parents, finding no evidence of coercion or forced changes to religious beliefs, leading to the appeal to the Supreme Court.
• A decision, which could set a nationwide precedent on balancing religious freedom and educational inclusivity, is expected by late June or early July 2025.