Ahead of Mahmoud v Taylor Oral Arguments, Interfaith Alliance Submits Amicus Curiae Brief: Introduction to LGBTQ Perspectives Does Not Infringe Religious Freedom

WASHINGTON, DC – Interfaith Alliance, a national leader in defending religious freedom and multi-faith democracy, formally filed an amicus curiae brief in the Supreme Court case of Mahmoud v. Taylor ahead of the start of oral arguments in the case on April 22.

In this case a group of parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, argue that their inability to opt their children out of instruction involving storybooks with LGBTQ+ characters constitutes a violation of their religious freedom under the First Amendment. Interfaith Alliance’s brief argues that allowing public school students to be introduced to LGBTQ+ perspectives and characters does not infringe on their religious freedom – and that permitting parents to opt their children out of such instruction would create a destructive precedent that would increase discrimination and create an untenable burden on public schools. 

The full brief can be found here. Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, shared the following statement:

“As a Baptist minister, I value the American tradition of religious freedom. As a gay man, I value the long march our country has been on towards LGBTQ equality. And as the parent of two children, I value our public schools being inclusive of all families, of all faiths, backgrounds and identities. The case about to be heard by the Supreme Court puts all of these - religious freedom, LGBTQ equality, and inclusivity in public education – at risk.” 

“Simply allowing children to learn the fundamental reality that LGBTQ people exist in the world, and to learn about their perspectives and experiences does not infringe on anyone’s First Amendment rights. True religious freedom is about diversity and tolerance - communities learning to live peacefully and respectfully alongside each other despite our differences. 

“If the Supreme Court grants parents the right to opt out their children from engaging with even the basic existence of LGBTQ people, there’s little doubt that Christian nationalist groups will soon seek the right to opt out from any educational content they object to in any way - including learning about other religious communities, traditions and practices. I want my children to be introduced to the families and traditions of Muslims, Jews, and many other faiths and identities. It’s a dangerous slippery slope that starts with discrimination against the gay community, but doesn’t stop there.

Freedom of religion is a precious democratic right to be safeguarded - not weaponized to silence diverse perspectives and undermine public education. Interfaith Alliance is proud to make that point in our amicus curiae brief.” 

Rev. Raushenbush is available for interview to discuss what’s at stake in the Mahmoud v Taylor case. Other available Interfaith Alliance spokespeople include:

• Maggie Siddiqi, Senior Fellow, who previously served in the Department of Education as Director of the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. 
• Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, Vice President of Programs and Strategy, a leading Christian expert on Christian nationalism and progressive faith organizing. 

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Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.

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