Supreme Court to hear arguments on LGBTQ+ children's books in schools
Share and Follow


Not sure how to find on your TV? Find your channel here.  Get 24/7 fact-based unbiased news coverage with the  app.

() The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Tuesday in an ongoing battle over LGBTQ+ themes in books between Maryland parents and the state’s largest school district.

Arguments will be streamed from this story when they begin at 10 a.m. ET.

The case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, revolves around a coalition of parents who believe they have a religious right to keep their kids from reading books that discuss LGBTQ+ themes.

The parents are not asking for the books to be removed from the schools, but are instead asking their children not be forced to read or listen to them as part of the school curriculum.

The books include “Love Violet,” which tells the story of a same-sex crush between students, and “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” which illustrates a gay wedding. Another book, “Born Ready,” tells the story of a transgender boy.

The books were originally added to Montgomery County Public Schools’ curriculum in 2022 for students in pre-K through fifth grade.

Previously, parents could choose to opt out when these books were used as “compelled instruction” in class. But that option was eliminated last year, when a federal appeals court ruled that kids could not step out of reading programs over LGBTQ+ content.

As a result, a coalition of parents sued the district over what they call a violation of the First Amendment’s religious protections.

The district’s lawyers contend the books can coexist “alongside the many books already in the curriculum that feature heterosexual characters in traditional gender roles.”

“The storybooks themselves do not instruct about gender or sexuality,” the school board’s SCOTUS brief reads. “They are not textbooks. They merely introduce students to characters who are LGBTQ or have LGBTQ family members, and those characters’ experiences and points of view.”

Schools have already pulled at least two books, but the district continues to argue these stories are meant to promote acceptance and teach diverse cultures to children, not to violate any constitutional rights.

A decision on the case is expected in late June.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Boyfriend charged with leaving girlfriend to freeze to death on Austria’s highest mountain

Man Faces Charges After Girlfriend Left to Freeze on Austria’s Tallest Peak

An experienced mountaineer is facing charges after allegedly leaving his girlfriend to…
DC pipe bomb suspect makes first court appearance; family yells support

DC Pipe Bomb Suspect Faces Court as Family Voices Support

In a dramatic court appearance marked by his family’s vocal support, Brian…
US vaccine advisers say not all babies need a hepatitis B shot at birth

US Health Panel Recommends Selective Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns: Expert Insights

A federal advisory panel on vaccines has voted to discontinue the long-established…
UK town sees nearly 200 homes evacuated over potential explosives threat, 2 men arrested

Explosive Threat in UK Town Leads to Evacuation of Nearly 200 Homes: Two Suspects Arrested

A significant emergency unfolded in Derby, situated in central England, as authorities…
Somalis live in constant fear, danger as disturbing reality hovers over their daily lives

Somalis Face Persistent Challenges Amid Ongoing Uncertainty and Risk

Located on the Horn of Africa, Somalia remains one of the globe’s…
Putin rejects key parts of US peace plan as Kremlin official warns Europe faces new war risk: report

Putin Dismisses US Peace Proposal, Kremlin Warns of Rising War Threat in Europe: Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly turned down crucial components of a…
Who will the US face in the 2026 World Cup?

Predicting the US Men’s National Team’s Rivals in the 2026 World Cup: Who Will They Face?

Anticipation is building for the U.S. men’s national team as they await…
Kate's evolution from Disney Princess to future Queen

From Disney Dreams to Royal Reality: Kate Middleton’s Journey to Becoming the Future Queen Consort

The Princess of Wales once again showcased her mastery of state banquet…