Zbur Issues Statement on Mahmoud v. Taylor Supreme Court Decision

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6–3 decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a ruling that grants parents broad authority to opt their children out of public school curricula—including content designed to reflect the diversity of American society:

The Supreme Court’s ruling that parents of public school students can opt their children out of lessons acknowledging the existence of LGBTQ+ people is dangerous and cruel. We know that welcoming, affirming, and inclusive public schools give all students the opportunity to learn and succeed. Unfortunately, this ruling sends a message to LGBTQ+ youth — who already face higher rates of bullying, harassment, and discrimination — that they do not belong.

LGBTQ+ people exist today and throughout history, regardless of the Court’s ruling. Our stories deserve to be told. And we will never stop fighting for a world that embraces our community.”

Assemblymember Zbur is a current member of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and the former Executive Director of Equality California—the state’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization.