'I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance,' says Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde's Importance of Being Earnest. 'Ignorance is like a delecate, exotic fruit. Touch it, and the bloom is gone.' Which might explain the legal challenge concerning the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themed books in elementary school curricula, which is currently being considered by the United States Supreme Court. Representing a group of Maryland parents (you can just imagine the happy households in which they are bringing up their children!), attorney Eric Baxter has articulated their opposition to public schools reading books featuring homosexual and transgender characters to young children.
Appearing on TMZ Live on Wednesday, Baxter explained that the parents aren't looking to remove the books entirely - thank you for that in the land where they never stop talking about free speech! - but rather want the right for their children to opt out of such readings. Maybe they could also opt out of science, seeing as dinosaurs never existed and God created the world about 150 years ago in the late Victorian era. Baxter highlighted that the content covers topics including sexuality, same-sex marriages, and gender identity, which the group deems too sensitive for elementary school-age students. Stories about fairies in the sky, a God that will smite you for looking at a neighbour's ass the wrong way and how to sell your daughter into slavery the correct way are A-OK for small children though.
One of Baxter’s key points was the apparent inconsistency in school policy. He noted that while high school students are permitted to opt out of sex education classes, younger children are currently required to participate in reading sessions that address LGBTQ+ themes. The parents’ objections have naturally been based primarily on religious grounds - because if you're going to brainwash, do it right - according to Baxter, and he emphasised that the dispute centres solely on book readings .
The Supreme Court case is expected to cause quite the stir, with a ruling anticipated soon. The outcome will likely influence how schools across the United States manage the inclusion of LGBTQ+ content in early education settings. News on dinosaurs is still outstanding.
Source: Noah Wire Services