In a groundbreaking decision issued on Friday in Mahmoud v. Taylor, the United States Supreme Court affirmed that parents have a constitutional right to receive advance notice and to opt their children out of exposure to LGBTQ+ themed books and curriculum. Advocates for Faith & Freedom applauds the Court’s protection of religious liberty, the family, and children.
In the 6-3 opinion, the Court emphasized that few religious acts are more sacred than a parent’s responsibility to educate their children according to their faith: “The practice of educating one’s children in one’s religious beliefs, like all religious acts and practices, receives a generous measure of protection from the Constitution.” (Slip op. at 20)
In response to this pivotal ruling, Advocates for Faith & Freedom has created a free, easy-to-use legal opt-out form that parents can submit to their child’s school. This resource allows parents to formally exercise their constitutional right to opt their child out of instruction, curriculum, or discussions related to gender identity, gender theory, sexual orientation, or any LGBTQ+-themed materials that conflict with their religious beliefs.
“Today’s decision is a victory for religious freedom and the rights of parents. A parent should be treated by a school as a respected partner, not as someone to ignore or alienate from his/her own child’s education,” said Robert Tyler, President & Chief Counsel of Advocates for Faith & Freedom states. “The Supreme Court’s opinion sends a two-part message to schools across the country: 1) sincere religious beliefs cannot be ignored and 2) a parent has every right to know what is going on with his/her child at school.”
Advocates for Faith & Freedom Senior Counsel Julianne Fleischer adds, “Long ago, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the right of parents to direct the religious upbringing of their children. Today, the Supreme Court clarified that fundamental right would only be ‘an empty promise if it did not follow those children into the public classroom.’”
For too long, public schools have treated parental rights and the free exercise of religion as an “empty promise.” This is why Advocates for Faith & Freedom fights vigilantly to protect the rights that the First Amendment was meant to ensure.
Today does not mark the end of the issue. Public schools can be expected to try to limit the Supreme Court’s holding and will find new ways to assert its power and to indoctrinate children. Our work to preserve the rights of parents, children, and families will continue.
