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Los Angeles Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
The 9 LGBTQ+ children's books targeted in high court ruling upending education policy
Picture books are not usually the stuff of Supreme Court rulings. But on Friday, a majority of justices ruled that parents have a right to opt their children out of lessons that offend their religious beliefs — bringing the colorful pages of books like 'Uncle Bobby's Wedding' and 'Pride Puppy' into the staid public record of the nation's highest court. The ruling resulted from a lawsuit brought by parents in Montgomery County, Md., who sued for the right to remove their children from lessons where LGBTQ+ storybooks would be read aloud in elementary school classes from kindergarten through 5th grade. The books were part of an effort in the district to represent LGBTQ+ families in the English language arts curriculum. In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that schools must 'notify them in advance' when one of the disputed storybooks would be used in their child's class, so that they could have their children temporarily removed. The court's three liberals dissented. As part of the the decisions, briefings and petitions in the case, the justices and lawyers for the parents described in detail the story lines of nine picture books that were part of Montgomery County's new curriculum. In her dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor even reproduced one, 'Uncle Bobby's Wedding,' in its entirety. Here are the nine books that were the subject of the case: Pride PuppyAuthor: Robin Stevenson Illustrator: Julie McLaughlin 'Pride Puppy,' a rhyming alphabet book for very young children, depicts a little girl who loses her dog during a joyful visit to a Pride parade. The story, which is available as a board book, invites readers to spot items starting with each of the letters of the alphabet, including apple, baseball and clouds — as well as items more specific to a Pride parade. Lawyers representing the parents said in their brief that the 'invites students barely old enough to tie their own shoes to search for images of 'underwear,' 'leather,' 'lip ring,' '[drag] king' and '[drag] queen,' and 'Marsha P. Johnson,' a controversial LGBTQ activist and sex worker.' The 'leather' in question refers to a mother's jacket, and the 'underwear' to a pair of green briefs worn over tights by an older child as part of a colorful outfit. The Montgomery County Public Schools stopped teaching 'Pride Puppy' in the midst of the legal battle. Love, VioletAuthor: Charlotte Sullivan WildIllustrator: Charlene Chua The story describes a little girl named Violet with a crush on another girl in her class named Mira, who 'had a leaping laugh' and 'made Violet's heart skip.' But every time Mira tries to talk to her, Violet gets shy and quiet. On Valentine's Day, Violet makes Mira a special valentine. As Violet gathers the courage to give it to her, the valentine ends up trampled in the snow. But Mira loves it anyway and also has a special gift for Violet — a locket with a violet inside. At the end of the book, the two girls go on an adventure together. Lawyers for the parents describe 'Love, Violet' as a book about 'two young girls and their same-sex playground romance.' They wrote in that 'teachers are encouraged to have a 'think aloud' moment to ask students how it feels when they don't just 'like' but 'like like' someone.' Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named PenelopeAuthor: Jodie Patterson Illustrator: Charnelle Pinkney Barlow In 'Born Ready,' 5-year-old Penelope was born a girl but is certain they are a boy. 'I love you, Mama, but I don't want to be you. I want to be Papa. I don't want tomorrow to come because tomorrow I'll look like you. Please help me, Mama. Help me be a boy,' Penelope tells their mom. 'We will make a plan to tell everyone we know,' Penelope's mom tells them, and they throw a big party to celebrate. In her dissent, Sotomayor notes, 'When Penelope's brother expresses skepticism, his mother says, 'Not everything needs to make sense. This is about love.' ' In their opening brief, lawyers for the families said that 'teachers are told to instruct students that, at birth, people 'guess about our gender,' but 'we know ourselves best.' ' Prince and Knight Author: Daniel Haack Illustrator: Stevie Lewis 'Prince and Knight' is a story about a prince whose parents want him to find a bride, but instead he falls in love with a knight. Together, they fight off a dragon. When the prince falls from a great height, his knight rescues him on horseback. When the king and queen find out of their love, they 'were overwhelmed with joy. 'We have finally found someone who is perfect for our boy!' ' A great wedding is held, and 'the prince and his shining knight would live happily ever after.' 'The book Prince & Knight clearly conveys the message that same-sex marriage should be accepted by all as a cause for celebration,' said Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the majority opinion, a concerning message for Americans whose religion tells them that same-sex marriage is wrong. 'For young children, to whom this and the other storybooks are targeted, such celebration is liable to be processed as having moral connotations,' Alito wrote. 'If this same-sex marriage makes everyone happy and leads to joyous celebration by all, doesn't that mean it is in every respect a good thing?' Uncle Bobby's WeddingAuthor: Sarah S. Brannen Illustrator: Lucia Soto In 'Uncle Bobby's Wedding,' a little girl named Chloe learns that her beloved uncle is engaged to his partner, a man named Jamie. At first, she worries that the marriage will change her close bond with her uncle. But she soon embraces the celebration and the joy of getting another uncle through the union. In the majority opinion, Alito wrote that the book sends children the message that 'two people can get married, regardless of whether they are of the same or the opposite sex, so long as they 'love each other.' ' That viewpoint is 'directly contrary to the religious principles that the parents in this case wish to instill in their children.' Parents ability to 'present a different moral message' to their children, he said, 'is undermined when the exact opposite message is positively reinforced in the public school classroom at a very young age.' In her dissent, Sotomayor includes the entire book, writing that, 'Because the majority selectively excerpts the book in order to rewrite its story.' The majority's analysis, she writes, 'reveals its failure to accept and account for a fundamental truth: LGBTQ people exist. They are part of virtually every community and workplace of any appreciable size. Eliminating books depicting LGBTQ individuals as happily accepted by their families will not eliminate student exposure to that concept.' Jacob's Room to ChooseAuthor: Sarah Hoffman and Ian HoffmanIllustrator: Chris Case 'Jacob's Room to Choose' is a follow-up to 'Jacob's New Dress,' a picture book listed as one of the American Library Assn.'s top 100 banned books of the last decade. Jacob wears a dress, and when he tries to use the boy's bathroom, two little boys 'stared at Jacob standing in the doorway. Jacob knew what that look meant. He turned and ran out.' The same thing happens to his friend Sophie, who presents as a boy and is chased out of the girl's bathroom. Their teacher encourages the whole class to rethink what gender really means. The class decides everyone should be able to use the bathroom that makes them feel comfortable, and makes new, inclusive signs to hang on the bathroom doors. 'After relabeling the bathroom doors to welcome multiple genders, the children parade with placards that proclaim 'Bathrooms Are For Every Bunny' and '[choose] the bathroom that is comfy,' ' lawyers for the parents wrote. IntersectionAllies: We Make Room for All Author: Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council and Carolyn Choi Illustrator: Ashley Seil Smith 'IntersectionAllies,' written by three sociologists, is a story about characters with different identities, including one who uses a wheelchair, and another, Kate, who identifies as transgender. One page shows Kate in a gender-neutral bathroom, saying, 'My friends defend my choices and place. A bathroom, like all rooms, should be a safe space.' In the majority opinion, Alito describes a discussion guide included with the book that he said asserts: 'When we are born, our gender is often decided for us based on our sex . . . . But at any point in our lives, we can choose to identify with one gender, multiple genders, or neither gender.' The guide asks readers, 'What pronouns fit you best?' Alito wrote. What Are Your Words?: A Book About Pronouns Author: Katherine LockeIllustrator: Anne Passchier 'What Are Your Words' is a picture book about a child named Ari whose pronouns are 'like the weather. They change depending on how I feel. And that's ok, because they're my words.' Ari's Uncle Lior (who uses they/them pronouns) is coming to visit, and Ari is struggling to decide which words describe them. 'The child spends the day agonizing over the right pronouns,' the lawyers for the parents wrote. At the end, while watching fireworks, Ari says, 'My words finally found me! They and them feel warm and snug to me.' My RainbowAuthor: DeShanna Neal and Trinity NealIllustrator: Art Twink 'My Rainbow' tells the true story of a Black child with autism who self-identifies as a transgender girl. Trinity wants long hair, just like her doll, but has trouble growing it out. 'The mother decides that her child knows best and sews him a rainbow-colored wig,' lawyers for the parents wrote. The Montgomery County Public Schools also stopped teaching 'My Rainbow' during the course of the lawsuit. This article is part of The Times' early childhood education initiative, focusing on the learning and development of California children from birth to age 5. For more information about the initiative and its philanthropic funders, go to
The Hill
20 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Authors in LGBTQ books case: SCOTUS ruling ‘discriminatory and harmful'
More than a dozen children's book authors and illustrators whose work was named in a Supreme Court case said Friday's ruling, which sided with a group of religious parents who objected to the LGBTQ storybooks, will harm LGBTQ children and families. The high court ruled 6-3 along ideological lines to send the case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, back to a lower court for a final decision on whether Montgomery County, Md., must provide an opt-out option for parents. Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the majority that the parents who brought the case before the court are likely to succeed in arguing that the district's lack of such an option substantially burdens their constitutional right to freely exercise their religion. Authors and illustrators of the nine titles at the center of the case wrote Friday in a joint statement that the court's decision 'threatens students' access to diverse books and undermines teachers' efforts to create safe, inclusive classrooms.' 'To treat children's books about LGBTQ+ characters differently than similar books about non-LGBTQ+ characters is discriminatory and harmful. This decision will inevitably lead to an increasingly hostile climate for LGBTQ+ students and families, and create a less welcoming environment for all students,' they wrote in the statement released by PEN America, a nonprofit free speech group. 'We created our books for all children. We believe young people need to see themselves and families like theirs in the books they read; this is especially true for LGBTQ+ children and LGBTQ+ families,' the authors and illustrators wrote. 'And all children need to learn how to share their classrooms and communities with people different from themselves. Books can help them understand one another and learn to treat each other with acceptance, kindness and respect.' The authors' response echoes concerns voiced by the Supreme Court's three Democratic-appointed justices in a fiery dissent from the majority opinion on Friday. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, wrote that the ruling would burden schools and harm young students' learning, development and 'opportunity to practice living in our multicultural society.' 'Exposing students to the 'message' that LGBTQ people exist, and that their loved ones may celebrate their marriages and life events, the majority says, is enough to trigger the most demanding form of judicial scrutiny,' Sotomayor wrote in her dissent, which she also read aloud from the bench. 'Given the great diversity of religious beliefs in this country, countless interactions that occur every day in public schools might expose children to messages that conflict with a parent's religious beliefs. If that is sufficient to trigger strict scrutiny, then little is not.' In April, the Supreme Court dissected the children's books, including 'Uncle Bobby's Wedding,' 'Pride Puppy!' and 'Love, Violet,' across more than two hours of arguments. 'We could have a book club and have a debate about how Uncle Bobby's marriage should be understood,' Alito said at one point. The book, he said, does not simply say that the title character is marrying his boyfriend, Jamie: 'It expresses the idea subtly, but it expresses the idea this is a good thing.' Sarah S. Brannen, the book's author and illustrator, told The Hill following oral arguments last spring that she found Alito's questioning disingenuous. 'He had a point he wanted to make,' she said. In another instance, Justice Neil Gorsuch, who sided with Alito's majority opinion on Friday, claimed during oral arguments that Robin Stevenson's 'Pride Puppy!,' recommended for readers aged 3-5, includes a character who is a sex worker — 'It's a drag queen,' Justice Amy Coney Barrett corrected him — and makes inappropriate mentions of leather and bondage. Andrew Wooldridge, Stevenson's publisher, told The Hill in April that the picture book includes no such storyline and Gorsuch's characterization of the title was 'a misrepresentation.' 'The book has very few words and would be a quick read to confirm these things,' Wooldridge said.
New York Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New York Times
Supreme Court Requires Schools to Allow Opting Out From L.G.B.T.Q. Stories
Public schools in Maryland must allow parents with religious objections to withdraw their children from classes in which storybooks with L.G.B.T.Q. themes are discussed, the Supreme Court ruled on Friday. The vote was 6 to 3, with the court's liberal members in dissent. The case extended a winning streak for claims of religious freedom at the court, gains that have often come at the expense of other values, notably gay rights. The case concerned a new curriculum adopted in 2022 for prekindergarten through the fifth grade by the Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland's largest school system. The storybooks included 'Pride Puppy,' an alphabet primer about a family whose puppy gets lost at a Pride parade; 'Love, Violet,' about a girl who develops a crush on her female classmate; 'Born Ready,' about a transgender boy; and 'Uncle Bobby's Wedding,' about a same-sex union. At first, the school system gave parents notice when the storybooks were to be discussed, along with the opportunity to have their children excused. But school administrators soon eliminated the advanced notice and opt-out policy, saying it was hard to administer, led to absenteeism and risked 'exposing students who believe the storybooks represent them and their families to social stigma and isolation.' Parents of several faiths sued, saying the books violated the First Amendment's protection of the free exercise of religion. The books, their complaint said, 'promote one-sided transgender ideology, encourage gender transitioning and focus excessively on romantic infatuation.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
I became more cautious of AI because of M3GAN, says Violet McGraw
Violet McGraw "became more cautious of AI because of M3GAN". The 14-year-old actress didn't really know what AI was until she filmed 2022's M3GAN, and Violet admits that starring in the movie franchise has made her more cautious of the technology. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Violet shared: "I became more cautious of AI because of M3GAN. It scares me a little bit, and I never would've thought of it that way if I wasn't in M3GAN." Violet plays the part of Cady, who is sent to live with her aunt Gemma, a roboticist, in the horror franchise. And the actress admits that she developed an affinity with M3GAN, the child-sized humanoid robot doll that's powered by AI, during filming. Violet said: "I love M3GAN so much. If there was a M3GAN in real life, which probably should never happen, I would totally be best friends with her." Violet has reprised the role of Cady to star in M3GAN 2.0, and the actress feels her character has evolved since the last movie. She explained: "Cady is definitely getting more into tech after the first movie, but Gemma isn't a big fan of that because she doesn't want Cady to turn into her or make another M3GAN for that matter." Meanwhile, Violet previously revealed that she's eager to star in an action movie. The teenage star is delighted that M3GAN 2.0 features some thrilling action scenes, and Violet is hopeful of landing a role in a big action blockbuster. Asked if making M3GAN 2.0 felt different because it features more intense scenes, Violet told SFX magazine: "Definitely. "Everyone got older; Amie [Donald, who plays 'M3GAN'] got older. It was a different vibe, but with the same family, and same crew. "It made me want to do an action film so bad. "I'm waiting patiently." Violet originally wanted to be a stunt person, and so she would jump at the chance to star in some action scenes. The actress explained: "I love doing stunts, so whenever I get a chance to do my own stunts, I just get so happy. "I used to want to be a stunt person." M3GAN 2.0 features an upgraded version of the humanoid robot doll, and Violet was left stunned by how "insane" the robot looked and acted. The movie star said: "It had been a long time since I'd seen her, but she's just so upgraded - it's insane. "She's faster, stronger and more lethal than before. There's a picture of me when I first saw the 2.0 doll. And I was like, 'Wow!' "Your eyes get so confused because you think you're talking to a human being. "It feels like there's a real living person in front of me. And it basically is."
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Pregnant Katherine Ryan showcases her bump in grey loungewear as she recreates adorable prom photo with childhood sweetheart Bobby Kootstra
Katherine Ryan has recreated her adorable prom photo with her childhood sweetheart and husband, Bobby Kootstra. The comedian, 41, who is currently expecting her fourth child, posed alongside Bobby, 42, in a sweet Instagram snap shared on Wednesday – 25 years after their original prom moment. Katherine, who entered a civil partnership with Bobby in 2019, showcased her blossoming baby bump in a cosy grey loungewear set as the pair posed in front of a lavish purple balloon display. Bobby sweetly cradled her bump while keeping it casual in a light green T-shirt and off-white drawstring shorts. In the throwback image, teenage Katherine looked radiant in a strapless cream prom dress as she held hands with a dapper-looking Bobby, who sported a black suit with a navy shirt and corsage. Bobby captioned the sweet snaps: 'Prom re-creation 25 years later #classof2000 #classof2025 ❤️ @kathbum.' It comes after Katherine revealed earlier this month that she is expecting her fourth child with husband Bobby Kootstra. Katherine is already mum to Fred, three, daughter Fenna, two, with Bobby, as well as 15-year-old Violet from a previous relationship. She has been open about her fertility struggles in recent years, revealing in 2024 that she had had three miscarriages in five years. Speaking in November, Katherine admitted she would love to have more kids – but was worried about her age. 'I'm old. I used to think I was going to be the babies' dad because I'm working but actually I'm like their grandmother,' she quipped at the time. 'My back hurts, sometimes I give them treats. I'm like a fun grandma.' The comedian also revealed in March 2025 that she was battling melanoma for the second time. She made the revelation in her podcast, Telling Everybody Everything, explaining she paid to have a mole removed from her arm and learned it was cancerous. She added that she required more surgery to ensure the entire mass had been removed. The star is gearing up for another busy period of work, embarking on her Battleaxe comedy tour this month. She also hosts multiple podcasts, including her most recent What's My Age Again? - a 'refreshing and humorous take on ageing, wellness, and self-discovery.' The TV star revealed in 2022 that she had kept her second pregnancy a secret because she was scared it would lead to her losing work. She was eight months pregnant when she presented ITV's Ready To Mingle, a fact that she hid from everyone. Katherine and her husband Bobby have been together since 2018, but have known each other since they were children as they grew up together in Canada. Childhood sweethearts, the two parted ways initially before rekindling their romance this side of the Atlantic. The couple revealed in the latest series of the family's reality show that they 'wanted the option of having a fourth [child].' The series saw the couple exploring their marriage through therapy before visiting a fertility clinic. Katherine admitted in the scenes which aired in February that she knew conceiving a fourth child would be challenging thanks to both her and Bobby's age. 'It's not that surprising that over 40 women have fewer follicles than we once did,' said Katherine. 'But we talk a lot about male fertility as well, which is on a steep decline. But I would still like a fourth baby. 'We are so blessed to have the kids that we do have. Having children is not for everyone, but I personally really like making people. I think it's a superpower if you can do it.' She explained at the time how she and her husband had never previously struggled with getting pregnant but had suffered multiple losses. 'We've always gotten pregnant with the babies quite quickly. I've been pregnant five times in five years, but that also means I've had three miscarriages in five years and the likelihood of that increases as you get older,' she explained. Speaking to OK! last year, she also ruled out surrogacy, explaining: 'I think surrogacy is wonderful. It's beautiful for people who are really eager to offer it and for couples who need it but for me, I think it would be exploitative.' Appearing on the Chris Moyles Show in November, she admitted: 'I'd have so many more if I could. 'If I was a dad, I'd be like Robert De Niro having them. Because you can have kids when you're 80 as a dad. You just have to.'
