The same week a new Florida law took effect allowing chaplains to volunteer in public schools, members of the Satanic Temple in Florida asserted their right and interest in offering chaplaincy services to students.
Satanic Temple’s Response
The Satanic Temple posted, “The Satanic Temple’s chaplains can now serve in Florida’s public schools, thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis.”
Governor’s Reaction
DeSantis quickly moved to dispel the rumors. “We’re not playing those games in Florida. That is not a religion.”
New Legislation Details
The bill in question, HB 931, went into effect July 1 and states that school chaplains may volunteer to “provide support, services, and programs to students as assigned by the district school board or charter school governing board.”
Parental Consent Requirement
As implemented in Florida, a student’s parents must consent to their child’s participation in a chaplaincy service and may also choose from a publicly available list of vetted chaplains provided by different religious affiliations.
Legal Complications
Despite DeSantis’s quick reaction to deny the Satanists access to the schools, the legal question may be more complicated.
First Amendment Concerns
The First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution strictly prohibits the promotion of a specific religion or establishing a religion.
Satanic Temple’s Statement
The Satanic Temple spokesman wrote, “Any opportunity that exists for ministers or chaplains in the public sector must not discriminate based on religious affiliation. Our ministers look forward to participating in opportunities to do good in the community, including the opportunities created by this bill, alongside the clergy of other religions.”
IRS Recognition
The IRS recognizes the Satanic Temple as a religious organization with tax-exempt status.
Governor’s Accusation
DeSantis has publicly blamed former President Donald Trump, saying, “The Trump Administration gave them approval to be under the IRS as a religion, so that gave them the legal ability to do it potentially.”
Similar Legislation in Other States
Other red states have attempted to pass similar legislation this year, allowing religious chaplains to serve the student body at public schools.
Failed Bills
Similar bills were introduced and failed in Utah and Georgia. The Georgia bill was specific about the definition of “chaplain,” explicitly excluding anyone “who is a Satanist.”
Previous Conflicts
This is not the first run-in Governor DeSantis has had with the Satanists under his tenure.
Capitol Display Incident
The Satanic Temple applied to provide a display during the Christmas holiday celebration at the Florida Capitol Rotunda. The first year’s display was denied, and a second was approved but was vandalized within the first day of being displayed.
Distribution Ban
Additionally, in 2015, a Florida school board banned the distribution of all religious and political material after the Satanic Temple distributed Satanic coloring books.
