The Satanic Temple of Iowa had been planning an event at the Capitol on Dec. 14. However, on Friday, without warning, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) for the state of Iowa let the group know the event would not be allowed.
Last year the Satanic Temple placed a demonic statue in the Capitol. To some, the group seemed to be mocking Christians in the days leading up to Christmas. This sparked mass outrage across the state as Christians wondered why such an insulting display was allowed to be placed just before one of the most important holidays in the Christian faith.
However, this year DAS decided to cancel the event. Christians across the state had been planning to show up en masse to block view of the display the Satanic Temple of Iowa had been planning to set up.
Despite news the event had been canceled, pastor Mike Demastus still led a small group in prayer for the governor and Iowa’s elected officials. Demastus explained the response to the Satanic Temple event. Pastors and their congregations across the state had decided to push back on the demonstration. They had planned for hundreds of Christians to descend on the Capitol. But with the event’s cancellation and less than ideal weather, many decided to accept the victory and stay home.
Adam Steen, Director of Iowa Department of Administrative Services, put out an announcement explaining the decision.
“After careful consideration of administrative rule and DAS policy, I determined the totality of the event request to include elements that are harmful to minors and therefore denied the request.”
Governor Kim Reynolds said she viewed the decision as one putting the concern of children first.
“Our state government is always going to be concerned about the wellbeing of children. The Iowa State Capitol Complex is a place that is open to the public, where children and families routinely visit. Because of this, the State’s event policy takes into consideration conduct that would be harmful to minors. This satanic event, which specifically targets children, is harmful to minors and so it was denied.”
On Friday, the Satanic Temple of Iowa posted news of the cancellation.
“We have made every effort to work with (DAS) to ensure a successful event, but after over two months on the official Capitol events calendar, we have been informed that our event will no longer be allowed,” the group wrote.
The Satanic Temple of Iowa claimed its goal was “to promote tolerance and acceptance of diverse religious beliefs.”
“As a peaceful law-abiding organization, we will embody the spirit of wisdom and compassion in the face of injustice,” the group wrote.
Last year, a Mississippi man destroyed the display that was set up by the Satanic Temple of Iowa.
