Palmetto State News

U.S. Senators Tim Scott and Bill Cassidy, along with Representative Robert B. Aderholt and 63 other Republican colleagues, have submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the case of Mahmoud v. Taylor. The brief advocates for parents' constitutional rights to be informed about and opt their children out of educational content that contradicts their religious beliefs, specifically regarding gender ideology.

Senator Scott stated, "Parents shouldn’t have to worry about what their children are being taught. When kids go to school, they should be getting an education and not being indoctrinated." Dr. Cassidy added, "Requiring children to be taught gender and sexuality subject matter that violates their family’s religious beliefs is unconstitutional."

Representative Aderholt emphasized the importance of parental involvement in education: "Parents have a fundamental right to guide their children’s education and upbringing, especially when it involves sensitive topics that intersect with their deeply held beliefs."

The controversy began in November 2022 when the Montgomery County School Board introduced over 20 new books on gender identity and sexuality into classrooms from pre-K through eighth grade. Initially, parents were assured they would be notified when these books were used in class and given the option to opt-out their children. However, this policy was rescinded in March 2023.

The amicus brief argues that the school board's decision infringes upon parents' First Amendment rights by not providing notification or opt-out options. It contends that federal antidiscrimination laws do not mandate such policies and asserts that federal statutes affirm parental rights in education.

This initiative is supported by several other senators including Pete Ricketts, Roger Wicker, Tommy Tuberville, Jim Justice, Ashley Moody, Josh Hawley, Steve Daines, Markwayne Mullin, James Lankford, Chuck Grassley, Ted Budd, Mike Lee, Ted Cruz, Marsha Blackburn, Tim Sheehy, and Jim Banks.

Additional support comes from representatives such as Steve Scalise, Troy Nehls, Mary Miller, Virginia Foxx, Lance Gooden among others listed in the submission.