Equality California Responds to U.S. Supreme Court Hearing on Preschool Protections for LGBTQ+ Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, a case that could determine whether religious preschools receiving public funding through Colorado's universal preschool program can turn away children because of their parents' sexual orientation or gender identity.

Colorado requires participating preschools to provide eligible children an equal opportunity to enroll, regardless of characteristics including the sexual orientation or gender identity of their parents. A federal district court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit upheld that requirement against the challenge now before the Supreme Court.

Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang issued the following statement:

"No child should be turned away from a publicly funded preschool because they have two moms or two dads. LGBTQ+ parents deserve to know that when they apply for preschool, their children will have the same chance to enroll as any other child.

"Colorado can require the preschools it funds with taxpayer dollars to give every eligible child that chance. We urge the Supreme Court to uphold that protection so LGBTQ+ families can choose a preschool for their children without worrying that who they are will cost their child a seat."

A final decision on the case is expected next June.

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