WASHINGTON — A big crowd turned out Thursday night for a contentious public hearing and a controversial vote by the Fairfax County School Board.

The board voted to amend its curriculum, adding a class that focuses on gender identity and sexual orientation.  The class is for students in grades 7 through 10, and parents can choose to keep their children out.

Passionate speakers on both sides of the issue pleaded with board members ahead of the vote.

Supporters said it would provide much-needed education about the LGBT community.

Opponents called the class a “social agenda” and claimed it was largely unpopular throughout the county.

In recent months, the school board also voted to add gender identity and sexual orientation to its nondiscrimination policy.