Judge orders Iowa to permit Satanic Temple holiday event at state capitol
Summary
A federal judge ordered Iowa officials to approve a Satanic Temple holiday event in the state capitol rotunda, finding that the group was likely to succeed in its free speech claim. Iowa officials plan to appeal the ruling.Key Facts
- The Satanic Temple and its Iowa chapter leader sued state officials in August, alleging discrimination.
- Chief District Judge Stephanie M. Rose ordered the state administrative services director to approve the application within seven days.
- State officials had cited rules on violence and obscene displays, concerns about sticks in Krampus costumes, and the possibility that the character could frighten children.
- Judge Rose said those concerns did not justify denying the entire event.
- The proposed event includes Krampus costumes, caroling, children’s coloring activities, and ornament making.
- The Satanic Temple held a holiday display at the capitol in December 2023; a Christian military veteran later vandalized it.
- Iowa Republicans control the governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.
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