Domestic Policy
Should Satanic Statues Be Protected By the First Amendment?
Should Satanic Statues Be Protected By the First Amendment?
Here’s the Scoop
The installation of a Satanic Temple display in the Iowa state capitol has sparked intense debate over the limits of the First Amendment and the place of religious expression in public spaces.
Andrea Picciotti-Bayer, a legal analyst for EWTN, told CNA that this display, which includes a goat-headed figure and is accompanied by the group’s seven core tenets, is “not protected by the First Amendment” and is not genuine religious expression but rather a mockery of religion.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds called the display “absolutely objectionable” and encouraged prayer, noting the display’s offensive nature to many.
Meanwhile, state Rep. Jon Dunwell, a Republican and a pastor, asserted that the display is protected by the First Amendment, emphasizing the importance of not having the state evaluate religious expressions.
Picciotti-Bayer argued that the First Amendment does “not protect this kind of offensive and irreligious display,” claiming that The Satanic Temple (TST) is manipulating American principles and the rule of law to “undermine the fabric of American society.”
She highlighted TST’s atheist nature and its founders’ disavowal of Satanism as further proof of the display’s purpose as a mockery, not a sincere religious practice.
This clash of viewpoints raises fundamental questions about the scope of religious freedom and free speech in America.
Should displays like the one from The Satanic Temple be protected under the First Amendment, or do they cross a line that violates the spirit of these constitutional rights?
Your opinion matters in this heated debate about the boundaries of religious expression, free speech, and respect for diverse beliefs in public spaces.
Vote now and share your perspective on whether Satanic statues should be protected by the First Amendment.
What do you think? Let us know by participating in our poll, or join the discussion in the comment section below!
Anthony Gaby
December 20, 2023 at 9:16 pm
Unfortunately We the People have written Constitution…whether we like what someone says or exhibits or not…IS A FREEDOM..afforded ALL US CITIZENS….
Lee Miller
December 24, 2023 at 6:12 am
We have all been covered by God since the day of our founding of this country.
Satanic freedom has never been covered. We shouldn’t start it now.
In God, we trust.
tj
December 24, 2023 at 3:46 pm
For those who cherish freedom must accept freedom for All
Mike Diggs
December 24, 2023 at 6:12 am
2 things can be true at the same time. Yes it’s protected, but also yes it’s objectionable. I strongly disagree with the quran as it’s the same as Satanist book but it’s protected too.
GSM
March 6, 2024 at 7:40 pm
Sorry but half this country don’t get to live by the laws we all are suppose to abide by. Only those who think the entire country has no rights .
Americans sat by and let a handful of morons shut them up . Racism exists only in a real racists mind. And the perverts who push their sexual agendas on every American.
Think we don’t have a right
And they took our God of Heaven away. And replaced him with Allah and Buddha and Hindu .
Now tell me again .
Tarheel
December 24, 2023 at 8:11 am
I said “yes” they should be protected Evan though I vehemently dislike them. However in light of the fact the left in this country feels it quite OK to remove statues and historical monuments they dislike I think it only fair that Americans that are “OFFENDED” by satanist statues or satanic objects in public squares should also have the right to have them removed. Of course the left will howl in objection and that’s when it needs to be thrown right back in their face, they started it. On another note, the left wants to remove Trump from the Colorado ballots,…3 states are now trying to remove Biden from theirs. It’s only fair.
Rowdy
December 24, 2023 at 11:08 am
I firmly believe that satanic belief is not a religion. It is only an excuse to do things out side of our laws and moral structure. it is the same thing with the Iranian belief structure, it is not a real religion,but a guide for how to take over other people’s property and business’s, thru forch and murder.
Gail
December 24, 2023 at 1:07 pm
I agree. Satanic anything is anti good, and violent. I’ve never learned anything comforting or good about it.
LMB
December 24, 2023 at 3:28 pm
Let’s clarify that Satanism is NOT a religion! It is a pagan/cult that has been around for millennia that appeals to mentally disturbed beings. This cult promises self-gratification and the actions of demons that will help the one that invokes them to gain whatever power they seek!
steve crawford
December 29, 2023 at 12:02 am
We have allowed a few non-Christians to remove prayers of God in public places and sports. The same non-Christians have also allowed Satan’s sinful agenda, such as the LGBTQ to implement its rules and laws over those of Christians. Now, some want a Statue of Satan to be displayed where Jesus is not allowed. Now, the Pope have allowed same sex marriages to be blessed in the Catholic Church. The celebration of Christmas in many places had been cancelled because of Pro Palestinians threats. Jesus Christ religious churches must become more vocal and informative of Jesus Christ, and stop Satan’s supporters.
teresa
February 7, 2024 at 8:42 am
we need to repent of what we have opened ourselves and country. we were founded on Judeo-Christianity principles. the Bible is our Guide. not some satanic
statue. he is the enemy of everyone’s soul. he wants to take us all out. if not for the Lord Most High we would all be gone. He wants us all to be saved
Lord open our eyes and ears. help us to walk in Your Ways. forgive us of our sins, iniquities, and transgressions.
YESHUA DIED FOR ALL MANKIND. don’t let the devil keep you in the dark. this world is his, but his time is short.
Call out to the Lord confess your sins and repent The Kingdom of the LORD GOD IS at hand.