The Satanic Temple’s co-founder challenged Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to a debate on religious freedom after he singled out satanists by saying they were not allowed to participate in a new chaplain program signed into law. The bill allows school districts to adopt volunteer school chaplain services, with each school having the option to adopt a policy allowing chaplains to provide support services for students. DeSantis emphasized that the program is voluntary for parents and students, while also making it clear that members of TST would not be able to serve as chaplains in public schools. TST had threatened to sue the state if any of its members were banned from serving in the program.
TST co-founder, Lucien Greaves, criticized DeSantis for making comments about the organization without understanding who they are or what they believe. He expressed concern over the governor’s lack of knowledge about the law and his decision to exclude satanists from the school chaplaincy program without legal support. Greaves also pointed out that the bill signed into law actually allows satanic chaplains in schools, revealing DeSantis’ ignorance of his authority. TST is recognized as a tax-exempt church by the IRS, and Greaves warned that discriminating against the group in the school chaplain program could lead to legal consequences that would likely fail in court.
Following DeSantis’ comments, TST invited him to participate in a public debate regarding their status as a federally recognized religious organization. The invitation was extended by the executive director of operations, Rachel Chambliss, who believed a debate would provide an opportunity to thoroughly discuss the principles of religious freedom in America. Despite the invitation, DeSantis’ office did not respond to the request for comment. Greaves criticized the governor’s actions as “erroneous” and suggested that if DeSantis is only engaging in grandstanding, he would likely ignore the challenge.
Overall, the controversy surrounding the exclusion of satanists from the school chaplain program in Florida highlights the ongoing debate around religious freedom and discrimination. TST’s challenge to Governor DeSantis to a debate on their status as a religious organization reflects their commitment to defending their rights and challenging any attempts to marginalize them based on their beliefs. It remains to be seen whether DeSantis will respond to the invitation for a debate, but the issue has sparked discussions about the limits of governmental authority when it comes to recognizing different religious groups and ensuring equal treatment under the law.
