Fight over sex education goes to court

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- A Maryland court is being asked to decide whether Montgomery County schools can launch a controversial new sex education curriculum this fall.

Opponents of the move have filed an administrative appeal seeking to reverse a decision by the Maryland State Board of Education that permits Montgomery County Schools to adopt the new curriculum, The Washington Post reported Friday.

Leading the opposition is a local community group called Citizens for Responsible Curriculum, which charges the new lessons promote homosexual behavior.

Since the fight more than a year ago, opponents have been joined by The Liberty Council, a nationally known litigation group concerned with religious freedom, and the Thomas Moore Law Center.

"I'm impressed with the principled and steadfast opposition by these pro-family groups to this outrageously hedonistic and life-threatening sexuality curriculum," said Richard Thomas, president of the law center, in a statement.