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

The Supreme Court rules in favor of parents who objected to LGBTQ-themed books that a Maryland county approved for use in elementary school classrooms.

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Friday bolstered religious rights as it ruled in favor of parents who objected to LGBTQ-themed books that a Maryland county approved for use in elementary school classrooms.

In a 6-3 vote, the court backed the parents' claim that the Montgomery County Board of Education's decision not to allow an opt-out option for their children violated their religious rights under the Constitution's First Amendment, which protects religious expression.

"The board's introduction of the 'LGBTQ+ inclusive' storybooks, along with its decision to withhold opt-outs, places an unconstitutional burden on the parents' rights to the free exercise of their religion," Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the court.

The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority that is often receptive to religious claims. The liberal justices dissented.

"The result will be chaos for this nation's public schools," liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in a dissenting opinion.