Md. Sex-Ed Program Challenged on Religion Grounds

In Rockville, Maryland yesterday, a parents' group known as Citizens for a Responsible Curriculum and another group, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, filed suit in federal court to enjoin the implementation of a pilot program in sex education. The challenged curriculum was slated for introduction in certain Montgomery County middle and high schools. According to a report in today's Washington Times, parents claim the new curriculum advocates homosexuality and ignores religious viewpoints. While students may opt out of the course, plaintiffs argue that exercising this option will unconstitutionally force individuals to declare their religious beliefs. Liberty Counsel, which represents plaintiffs in the law suit, has issued a press release with excerpts from the curriculum that objecting parents find particularly offensive.