Senate Republican Leaders Respond to Supreme Court Ruling on Parental Rights in Montgomery County

June 27, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PRESS RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:

Megan Miller, Communications Director

megan.miller@mga.maryland.gov | 410-881-3203

Senate Republican Leaders Respond to Supreme Court Ruling
 on Parental Rights in Montgomery County

Annapolis, Md. – Today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in Mahmoud v. Taylor affirms a fundamental principle that Maryland parents—not government bureaucrats—should have the final say in how their children are educated, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics like gender identity and sexuality.

“This decision is a victory for common sense and for parental rights,” said Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey (R-Queen Anne’s). “Montgomery County Public Schools took the extreme step of shutting parents out of the process by denying their ability to opt out of curriculum that goes against their family’s values. That’s not inclusive—it’s authoritarian. Today’s ruling rightly pushes back.”

Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready (R-Carroll & Frederick) added: “For all the talk about equity and inclusion, Montgomery County forgot the most important voice at the table: the parents. No school system has the right to force children to participate in ideologically driven lessons without parental consent. This case should serve as a wake-up call to education officials across Maryland.”

Senate Republicans continue to stand with parents and support policies that strengthen transparency, restore trust in public education, and respect families’ right to make decisions in the best interest of their children.

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