A case that started with a group of Montgomery County parents asking to opt their kids out of LGBTQ+ storybooks in schools went to the Supreme Court on Tuesday. While the proceeding went on inside, groups outside rallied on both sides of the issue.
A decision from justices is expected this summer.
In a statement, Eric Baxter, representing the parents with Becket law firm, said, “In this country, we’ve always trusted families to decide when their kids are ready for sensitive topics. Children shouldn’t be forced into conversations about drag queens, pride parades, and gender transitions without their parents’ permission. Today, we fought for common sense and parents’ right to guide the upbringing of their children.”
A statement from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) said, “Today, Montgomery County Public Schools had the honor of appearing before the Supreme Court. As our counsel told the Court, MCPS’s policy is grounded in our commitment to provide an appropriate classroom environment for all of our students. We believe a curriculum that fosters respect for people of different backgrounds does not burden the free exercise of religion.”
The school district’s statement continues, “Based on established law, as discussed in our brief and by our counsel at today’s argument, we believe the Supreme Court can and should affirm the lower courts’ rulings. Regardless of the outcome, we are grateful for the opportunity to have our case heard by the highest court in the land. We await the Court’s decision.”
