Maryland

Federal appeals court dismisses lawsuit against Montgomery County schools gender guidelines

Parents oppose efforts to support transgender, gender nonconforming students

Published

2 years ago

August 15, 2023

(Bigstock photo)

A federal appeals court dismissed a case Monday challenging guidelines in Montgomery County that allow schools to create plans to support transgender or gender nonconforming students without the knowledge or consent of the students’ parents.

The case was brought by three parents of students in the school district, none of whom have transgender or gender nonconforming children, according to the ruling.

Judge A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Jr., of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals wrote in the majority opinion that opposition to the guidelines should be settled with elected representatives, not in court.

“That does not mean their objections are invalid,” Quattlebaum wrote. “In fact, they may be quite persuasive. But, by failing to show any injury to themselves, the parents’ opposition … reflects a policy disagreement. And policy disagreements should be addressed to elected policymakers at the ballot box, not to unelected judges in the courthouse.”

The guidelines at the heart of the case allow school staff to create support plans for trans or gender nonconforming students that allow students to use their chosen names and pronouns, use bathrooms and locker rooms corresponding to their gender identity and play on team sports of their gender identity. The guidelines do not require parental or guardian consent for support plans to be approved.

Montgomery County Public Schools is Maryland’s largest school district with more than 160,000 students. At least 350 students in the district had gender support plans on file as of 2022.

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Maryland

FreeState Justice launches 501(c)(4) group

FreeState Equality will focus on policy and advocacy

Published

3 days ago

December 5, 2025

Shreya Jyotishi

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

FreeState Justice, an LGBTQ organization that provides legal services, community programs, and public education in Maryland, announced the launch of FreeState Equality on Wednesday.

The new, independent organization intends to pursue advocacy and policy work beyond the legal capability of FreeState Justice, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. FreeState Equality functions as a 501(c)(4) organization, meaning it can partake in political activity.

“We are committed to transparency throughout this process and look forward to continuing our work together in service of LGBTQ+ Marylanders,” said FreeState Justice Executive Director Phillip Westry.

FreeState Equality will take on policy, advocacy, and civic engagement initiatives while FreeState Justice will pursue legal and direct-service work, according to Westry.

While both organizations adhere to similar values, they will feature separate leadership, operations and compliance.

FreeState Equality is hosting its first launch fundraiser on Dec. 10 at the Brass Tap in Baltimore. The event, held from 5-7 p.m., will feature insight from FreeState Equality staff about how Maryland policy can support the state’s LGBTQ community.

Attendees can purchase fundraiser tickets on Zeffy for $25 general admission, which includes a free first drink. The organization also welcomes additional donations.

Maryland

Md. House speaker stepping down

Adrienne Jones has been in position since 2019

Published

3 days ago

December 5, 2025

Baltimore Banner

Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Adrienne Jones stepped down from her leadership post on Dec. 4, 2025. (Photo by Ulysses Muñoz for the Baltimore Banner)

By LEE O. SANDERLIN, PAMELA WOOD and BRENDA WINTRODE | Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, the first woman and first person of color to hold her position, stepped down from her leadership post Thursday, effective immediately.

Jones, 71, has been a member of the legislature since 1997 and ascended to the top role in 2019 following the death of longtime House Speaker Michael E. Busch.

Jones held a meeting with top House Democratic leaders Thursday afternoon, sources said, at which she informed them of her decision. In a statement, Jones described the changes of life’s seasons and said she was ready to focus on what lies ahead.

The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.

Maryland

Harford school board appeals state’s book ban decision to circuit court

5-2 ruling in response to ‘Flamer’ directive

Published

3 weeks ago

November 14, 2025

Baltimore Banner

The book “Flamer” is by Mike Curato, who wrote about his experience being bullied as a kid for being gay. (Photo by Kristen Griffith for the Baltimore Banner)

By KRISTEN GRIFFITH | Marking a historic moment in Maryland’s debate over school library censorship, Harford County’s school board voted Thursday to appeal the state’s unprecedented decision overturning its ban of a young adult graphic novel, pushing the dispute into circuit court.

The 5-2 vote followed a recent ruling from the state board overturning Harford’s ban of the book “Flamer.” In a special meeting Thursday afternoon, board members weighed whether to seek reconsideration or take the matter to circuit court — ultimately opting to appeal.

The book “Flamer” is by Mike Curato, who wrote about his experience being bullied as a kid for being gay.

The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.