A federal judge on Thursday ruled a group of Montgomery County parents cannot “opt out” their children from classes in which lessons or books on LGBTQ-related topics are taught.
The parents in May filed a federal lawsuit against Montgomery County Public Schools that alleges the policy violates their religious beliefs.
They asked for a temporary injunction to halt the policy before Aug. 28, which is the first day of school in the county. U.S.
District Judge Deborah L. Boardman of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland ruled against them. “Members of the LGBTQ+ community are our neighbors, coworkers and friends,” tweeted Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass on Friday. “This ruling validates the right for everyone to be seen for who they authentically are, but it also shows that we have a lot of work to do opening hearts and minds so everyone is welcomed and accepted.” A federal appeals court on Aug.