Supreme Court backs parents seeking to opt their kids out of LGBTQ books in elementary schools – NBC News

Supreme Court Strengthens Religious Rights in LGBTQ-Themed School Book Dispute

Background and Case Overview

On April 15, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a 6-3 ruling favoring parents who opposed LGBTQ-themed books approved for use in elementary school classrooms in Montgomery County, Maryland. The case centered on the Montgomery County Board of Education’s decision not to provide an opt-out option for students, which the parents argued violated their religious rights under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Supreme Court Decision

1. The Court ruled that the Board’s introduction of LGBTQ+ inclusive storybooks, without allowing opt-outs, imposed an unconstitutional burden on parents’ free exercise of religion.
2. Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority, emphasized that the Board’s actions infringed upon religious expression rights.
3. The conservative majority supported the claim, while the three liberal justices dissented, warning of potential chaos in public schools due to diverse religious beliefs.

Dissenting Opinion

• Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor expressed concern that the ruling could lead to widespread conflicts in public schools given the variety of religious beliefs among families.
• She highlighted the challenge of balancing religious rights with inclusive educational content.

Context and Curriculum Changes

In 2022, the Montgomery County school board revised its English language arts curriculum to include more storybooks featuring LGBTQ themes, aiming to reflect the diversity of families in the area. Examples of approved books include:

• Uncle Bobby’s Wedding – featuring a gay character getting married.
• Born Ready – about a transgender child identifying as a boy.

The Board clarified that while these books are available in classrooms, teachers are not mandated to use them during lessons. Initially, an opt-out option for parents was considered but later withdrawn due to implementation difficulties.

Parties Involved

• Plaintiffs included a Muslim couple, members of Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox churches, and a multi-faith parent group called Kids First.
• They argued for the right to protect their children from content conflicting with their religious beliefs, particularly regarding same-sex relationships and transgender rights.
• The Trump administration supported the challengers in the case.

Lower Court Decisions and Historical Context

1. Prior rulings by a federal judge and the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the school board’s position.
2. The Supreme Court has previously ruled in favor of religious rights in cases involving LGBTQ issues, including a 2023 decision supporting a Christian web designer who refused to work on same-sex weddings.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 4: Quality Education

• The ruling impacts inclusive education by influencing how diverse family structures and identities are represented in school curricula.
• Balancing religious rights with inclusive content is critical to ensuring equitable and quality education for all students.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Inclusion of LGBTQ-themed materials promotes social inclusion and reduces discrimination against marginalized groups.
• The decision raises challenges in addressing inequalities while respecting religious diversity.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• The case underscores the importance of upholding constitutional rights and navigating conflicts between religious freedom and anti-discrimination principles.
• Strong legal frameworks are essential to mediate such societal disputes peacefully.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ruling highlights the ongoing tension between protecting religious freedoms and promoting inclusive education that reflects diverse identities. This decision will influence public school policies nationwide and has significant implications for advancing several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on quality education, reduced inequalities, and justice.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article discusses curriculum changes in public schools, inclusion of LGBTQ-themed books, and parental rights related to educational content.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The inclusion of LGBTQ-themed books aims to reflect diverse family structures and identities, addressing social inclusion and equality.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The Supreme Court ruling involves constitutional rights, religious freedoms, and legal processes protecting individual rights.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The inclusion of transgender rights and representation in educational materials relates to gender equality and empowerment.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including human rights, gender equality, and diversity.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including through eliminating discriminatory laws and policies.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 4 (Quality Education):
   • Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed at all levels in curricula, teacher education, and student assessments.
   • Implied measurement: Inclusion of LGBTQ-themed books and curriculum content reflecting diversity and human rights.
2. Indicators related to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities):
   • Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed within the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited by international human rights law.
   • Implied measurement: Parental and community responses to inclusive educational content and policies.
3. Indicators related to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
   • Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.
   • Indicator 16.7.2: Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive.
   • Implied measurement: Legal rulings and public trust in judicial decisions regarding religious and educational rights.
4. Indicators related to SDG 5 (Gender Equality):
   • Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex.
   • Implied measurement: Inclusion of transgender rights and gender diversity in educational materials and policies.

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: nbcnews.com