BREAKING: Supreme Court restores parental opt-outs for Pride Storybooks In 6-3 ruling, Court protects parents’ right to guide their children’s education

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 today that parents have the right to opt their children out of storybooks that push one-sided ideology on gender and sexuality. In Mahmoud v. Taylor, the Montgomery County Board of Education took away parental notice and opt-outs for storybooks that celebrate gender transitioning, pride parades, and pronoun preferences with kids as young as three and four. Older students can opt out when similar topics are introduced during health class. Becket represents a diverse coalition of religious parents, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews, who challenged the opt-out ban in 2023. (Watch this short video to learn more.)  

In the Court’s 6-3 decision today, Justice Alito writing for the majority said, “Today’s decision recognizes that the right of parents ‘to direct the religious upbringing of their’ children would be an empty promise if it did not follow those children into the public school classroom.” He went on to say that the Court “cannot agree” with lower courts who have ruled otherwise for over fifty years.  

The new “inclusivity” books were announced in 2022 for students in pre-K through fifth grade. Instead of focusing on basic principles of respect and kindness, however, the books champion controversial ideology around gender and sexuality. For example, one book tasks three- and four-year-olds to search for images from a word list that includes “intersex flag,” “drag queen,” “underwear,” “leather,” and the name of a celebrated LGBTQ activist and sex worker. Another book advocates a child-knows-best approach to gender transitioning, telling students that a decision to transition doesn’t have to “make sense.” Teachers are instructed to say doctors only “guess” when identifying a newborn’s sex anyway. The School Board revoked notice and opt-outs for these storybooks, which violates Maryland law, the Board’s policies, and the advice of its own elementary school principals.

Soon after the School Board announced it would take away parental notice and opt-outs for the storybooks, a diverse coalition of religious parents sued the School Board in federal court. Despite faith differences, these parents believe the storybooks are age-inappropriate, spiritually and emotionally damaging for their children, and inconsistent with their religious beliefs. Last year, the parents asked the Supreme Court to restore their right to notice and opt-outs so they can help guide their children’s education in accordance with their faith—a result that, according to a recent poll, most Americans support. 

Becket will be hosting a press call at 12:00 p.m. ET today to discuss the Court’s historic ruling. 

Press Call Information:
Dial 312-626-6799 (Meeting ID: 849 8489 2727)
or join https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84984892727 

Statements for media use: 

Grace Morrison, board member of Kids First: 

“The Supreme Court sent a powerful message today: parents do not take a back seat to anyone when it comes to raising their kids. I am deeply grateful to have been part of this historic triumph for parental rights nationwide.” 

Billy Moges, director of Kids First: 

“We thank the Lord for His faithfulness, for raising up voices of truth and justice, and for moving in the hearts of the judges to uphold righteousness. This moment is a reminder that when we stand firm in faith and pursue justice, God goes before us. This ruling is more than just a legal win, it is a moral and spiritual triumph that acknowledges the sacred responsibility entrusted to parents.  

In a time when family values are often challenged, this decision stands as a beacon of justice, reaffirming that parents not the state are the primary stewards of their children’s lives. Let us continue to pray, speak up, and protect the next generation with boldness and love. To God be all the glory.”

Eric Baxter, vice president and senior counsel at Becket: 

“This is a historic victory for parental rights in Maryland and across America. Kids shouldn’t be forced into conversations about drag queens, pride parades, or gender transitions without their parents’ permission. Today, the Court restored common sense and made clear that parents—not government—have the final say in how their children are raised.” 

For more information or to arrange an interview with a Becket attorney, contact Ryan Colby at [email protected] or 202-349-7219.