The United States Supreme Court is set to hear arguments from both sides in a parents rights case related to children and LGBTQ+ materials in public schools.
The materials in question are several books that feature stories with LGBTQ characters. The question of the case itself is whether or not parents should be able to opt out of what is being taught to their kids if it goes against their religious beliefs.
Parents Rights Case
Vincent Wagner, from the Alliance Defending Freedom, said that the situation is more about whether parents are being forced to give up their rights to put their kids in public school. The case also comes as Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland implemented stories in their curriculum that featured LGBTQ+ features.
The book list includes one titled "Pride Puppy," which features a story about a dog that gets loose at a Pride Parade. Another one that is included is called "Born Ready," which is a true story of a boy named Penelope, according to Local News Live.
This forced some parents to sue, arguing that the materials were contrary to their religious beliefs. Steven Collins, a University of Texas Law Professor, said that the parents are not asking to direct the curriculum of the school or tell it to change it altogether.
He said that they are simply asking for the right to be able to pull their children out from certain lessons that go directly against their religious beliefs. Rachel Cornwell, a faith leader and parent who lives in Montgomery County, agreed with the district's stance on the matter.
The case is one of three major religious-rights cases that are on the Supreme Court's docket this term. Next week, judges will consider whether or not states will be able to directly fund religious schools, The Washington Post reported.
Religious Freedoms
They will also have to decide whether or not Wisconsin must extend a tax exemption to the social services arm of the Catholic Church. This is a decision that could have significant implications for other large, religiously affiliated employers, such as hospitals.
Many religious families are hopeful as for about the last decade, the Supreme Court's Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and the court's conservative majority have consistently ruled in favor of religious freedoms and the role of faith in public life.
Regardless of the Supreme Court's decision regarding the parents rights case, it will still go back to the district court for further action, as per The74Million.
