Supreme Court will hear from religious preschools challenging exclusion from taxpayer-funded program
S. Supreme Court is seen Friday, April 17, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) 2026-04-20T13:46:46Z WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear from Catholic preschools that say it’s unconstitutional to exclude them from a state-funded program because they won’t admit kids from LGBTQ+ families.
In the latest religious rights case for the conservative-majority court, the justices will hear from Colorado’s St. Mary Catholic Parish and the Archdiocese of Denver, which are supported by the Republican Trump administration.
The schools argue that Colorado is violating their religious rights by barring them from the taxpayer-funded universal preschool program over their faith-based admission policies. They say the state has allowed other preschools to prioritize children with disabilities or…
What Happened
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case brought by Catholic preschools in Colorado that claim exclusion from a state-funded universal preschool program violates their religious rights.
These schools refuse admission to children from LGBTQ+ families based on their faith, and argue that other preschools are allowed to prioritize disabled or low-income children, so their religious-based admissions policies should also be accepted. The state contends religious schools may participate if they comply with nondiscrimination laws, which the preschools allegedly violate.
The case will be heard in the fall and involves re-examining a 1990 decision that limited religious exemptions from generally applicable laws. Recently, the Court has supported religious claims while taking a cautious approach to LGBTQ+ rights in related rulings.
Why It Matters
This case matters because it tests the balance between religious freedom and nondiscrimination principles in public funding contexts, potentially reshaping the scope of legal protections for religious institutions.
The outcome could clarify or limit the extent to which religious beliefs justify exceptions to generally applicable civil regulations, particularly in sensitive areas involving LGBTQ+ rights and public education funding.
Implications
The Supreme Court's decision could set a precedent impacting whether religious schools can receive public funding while maintaining discriminatory policies based on faith. Observers should watch for how the court's ruling might influence future cases involving religious exemptions, public funding eligibility, and the rights of LGBTQ+ families.
Changes in legal doctrine from this case may have broader effects on religious liberties and civil rights law in the education sector and beyond.
Key Signals
- Supreme Court agreed to hear case from Catholic preschools
- Preschools excluded from state-funded program due to LGBTQ+ family admission policies
- Case challenges constitutionality of exclusion based on religious beliefs
- Colorado requires nondiscrimination to participate in preschool funding program
- Court may reconsider limits from 1990 peyote ruling on religious exemptions