Fact Check: Supreme Court Rules 6-3 for Parents to Opt-Out of LGBTQ Books in Schools
What We Know
On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in a 6-3 decision that allows parents to withdraw their children from public school classes that discuss LGBTQ-themed storybooks. This decision stemmed from a case involving parents in Maryland who objected to the inclusion of such books in the curriculum, citing their religious beliefs. Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. wrote the majority opinion, emphasizing that the lack of an opt-out option imposed an unconstitutional burden on parents' rights to direct their children's religious upbringing (New York Times, AP News).
The ruling specifically addressed a curriculum adopted by the Montgomery County Public Schools, which included books such as "Pride Puppy" and "Uncle Bobby's Wedding." Initially, the school allowed parents to opt-out, but later revoked this policy, leading to the lawsuit (NPR, CNN).
Analysis
The Supreme Court's ruling has significant implications for public education and parental rights. The majority opinion, authored by Justice Alito, suggests that parents have the right to shield their children from educational content that conflicts with their religious beliefs. This perspective aligns with a broader trend in recent Supreme Court decisions favoring religious freedom, often at the expense of LGBTQ rights (ABC News).
Critics of the ruling, including Justice Sonia Sotomayor, argue that it undermines the educational mission of public schools, which is to expose students to diverse perspectives and foster civic engagement in a multicultural society. Sotomayor's dissent highlights the potential administrative burdens this ruling could impose on schools, as they may now be required to provide opt-out options for a wide range of educational materials (New York Times, AP News).
The ruling has been described as a "historic victory for parental rights" by advocates for the parents, while LGBTQ rights groups have condemned it as harmful and dangerous, fearing it could lead to increased censorship and discrimination in educational settings (NPR, CNN).
Conclusion
The claim that the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 for parents to opt-out of LGBTQ books in schools is True. The ruling grants parents the right to withdraw their children from classes discussing LGBTQ-themed materials, reflecting a significant legal precedent regarding parental rights and religious freedom in education. However, it raises concerns about the implications for educational diversity and the potential for increased censorship in public schools.
Sources
- Supreme Court Requires Schools to Allow Opting Out From LGBTQ Stories ...
- What to know about the US Supreme Court's ruling on public school ...
- SCOTUS: Parents can opt kids out of classes with gay book ...
- Supreme Court sides with parents who want opt their children out of ...
- SCOTUS rules in favor of parents seeking to opt children out of reading ...
