Overview

• The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a case concerning whether parents can opt their children out of LGBTQ-themed instruction in Montgomery County, Maryland public schools.
• Conservative justices appeared inclined to rule in favor of the parents, citing First Amendment protections for the free exercise of religion and questioning the feasibility of denying opt-outs.
• The Montgomery County school district eliminated opt-out options in March 2023, citing administrative challenges and the need to foster inclusivity, prompting a lawsuit from a coalition of Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish parents.
• Liberal justices raised concerns about the broader implications of parental opt-outs, warning that such a ruling could lead to widespread challenges to public school curricula.
• A decision in the case, which could set a significant precedent for balancing religious liberty and inclusivity in education, is expected by the end of June 2025.