The SCOTUS Reports: Oral Arguments on LGBTQ-Themed Books in Elementary Schools

This report was broadcast on April 22.

C-SPAN: The Supreme Court heard oral argument in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a case about a group of Maryland parents suing the Montgomery County School Board over the right to opt their children out of learning from LGBTQ-themed storybooks in elementary language arts instruction. The parents argued that the books violated the First Amendment due to content contrary to their religious beliefs, but the school board countered that the books were intended to teach about diversity and respect and were neutral toward religion. Justices asked the attorneys questions such as what other topics students may opt out of, the difference between exposing and coercing students regarding LGBTQ topics, and hypothetical situations involving students encountering teachers and peers who identify as LGBTQ. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit sided with the school board, and this appeal followed.