Bullerish · Night Desk · Blog
Supreme Court · Colorado · Night Desk ·
Supreme Court, Nov. 3: can tax-funded preschools exclude LGBTQ families?
Two Catholic parishes and the Archdiocese of Denver want to join Colorado’s free universal pre-K without agreeing to enroll families regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Colorado says religious preschools are welcome on the same terms as everyone, and two lower courts agreed. The Supreme Court hears the case Nov. 3; a ruling is expected by the end of June.
The program
Colorado’s universal pre-K offers up to 15 free hours of preschool a week. Over 1,000 preschools take part. Each agrees to enroll families regardless of religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
The refusal
In 2023 the Archdiocese of Denver told its 30-plus preschools not to join. The parishes want enrolling families to support Catholic teaching on sex and marriage. Colorado denied an exemption.
Each side’s case
Parishes: shutting them out violates their free exercise of religion. Colorado: they’re welcome on the same terms as every school. Lower courts sided with Colorado; the Trump administration backs the parishes.
Why it matters
It’s public money. An exemption would let one church’s doctrine decide which families a tax-funded seat is for. The court is 6–3 conservative; a ruling is expected by the end of June.
Sources
- Deseret News: “Supreme Court to decide if states can ban Catholic preschools from getting public funding” (Lauren Irwin, Nov. 2, 2026)
- SCOTUSblog: “Court to hear argument in religious discrimination challenge brought by Catholic preschools in Colorado” (Amy Howe, Oct. 29, 2026)
- Colorado Newsline via Yahoo News: “US Supreme Court to hear arguments in latest debate over LGBTQ+ protections in Colorado” (Lindsey Toomer, Nov. 2, 2026)