Federal Judge Orders Iowa to Permit Satanic Temple Event in State Capitol
Chief District Judge Stephanie M. Rose ruled the state likely denied the group’s free speech rights, requiring officials to approve the application within seven days.
By Beatriz Soto ·
A federal judge in Des Moines ordered Iowa state officials on Monday to allow a local Satanic Temple group to hold a holiday event in the state Capitol rotunda. The ruling ends a multi-year dispute in which Republican state leaders repeatedly rejected the organization’s applications.
Chief District Judge Stephanie M. Rose issued the order, finding that the Satanic Temple Iowa was likely to succeed on its free speech claim. She directed the director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services to approve the group’s application within seven days. According to Attorney General Brenna Bird’s office, state officials intend to appeal the decision.
State leaders previously barred the group’s observances by citing Capitol policies against gratuitous violence and obscene displays. In denying the 2024 application, officials pointed to costumes featuring the European folklore character Krampus. They argued that sticks used in the costumes could serve as weapons and that the character might frighten children present in the public space.
Judge Rose wrote that these arguments likely did not justify the denials. She stated that concern over the Krampus character frightening children is not a permissible basis for excluding speech. She added that worry about sticks carried as part of costumes cannot justify denying the entire event, noting that props remain subject to the building’s regular security screening.
The Satanic Temple, founded in 2013 in Salem, Massachusetts, describes itself as a non-theistic religious organization advocating for secularism. The group plans to include Krampus costumes, caroling, coloring for children, and ornament making in the event. This follows a period of increased scrutiny after a display depicting the goat-headed figure Baphomet was vandalized three years ago.
Matt Kezhaya, an attorney for the group, called the ruling a victory against petty governmental bureaucrats. He said, “This was always going to be a family-friendly event,” adding that the event did not become harmful simply because state officials disapproved of the group’s chosen expression. The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, which represents the organization, also celebrated the decision.
Spokespeople for the Iowa Department of Administrative Services and Gov. Kim Reynolds did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the order.
