Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new bill into law permitting public schools to enlist chaplains to offer support services to K-12 students.
However, DeSantis vowed that legislation would not include members of the Satanic Temple, sparking an epic meltdown from The Church of Satan on X.
Satanism is a very real religion, however we don’t proselytize nor do we condone the indoctrination of children. As secularists we have no interest in your program to begin with. You are confusing us with political activists trolls who count on you falling for their antics.…
— The Church Of Satan (@ChurchofSatan) April 18, 2024
Regarding the law HB931 that is scheduled to take effect on July 1, DeSantis said:
“We’re establishing a statewide school chaplain program in Florida to support students and ensuring that patriotic organizations can visit schools and encourage student participation.”
The graphic within the post said that the “faith leaders on campus offer a voluntary alternative mental health resource for students that stems from a higher power than government.”
It also showed the word “Satanists” crossed out, along with explanation that read:
“Activists who mock religion—like Satanists—cannot qualify as school chaplains.”
The Church of Satan responded to the post, writing:
“Satanism is a very real religion, however we don’t proselytize nor do we condone the indoctrination of children.”
“As secularists we have no interest in your program to begin with. You are confusing us with political activists trolls who count on you falling for their antics,” it added.
“Amazing you don’t have anyone on your staff who could do some simple research.”
Some X users urged the Church of Satan to “sue” DeSantis.
One account said:
“They can’t have it both ways. If one religion is allowed then all religions.”
The Church of Satan responded with “We are secularists, not pluralists.”
We are secularists, not pluralists.
— The Church Of Satan (@ChurchofSatan) April 18, 2024
I added another reply saying the organization does not “believe religious organizations should get involved in politics, and we aren’t hypocrites.”
DeSantis said of the law last week that people may think “somehow, you’re gonna have Satanists running around in all our schools?”
“Listen – we’re not playing those games in Florida. That is not a religion,” he continued.
“We’re gonna be using common sense. You don’t have to worry about that.”
'THAT IS NOT A RELIGION': DeSantis says new law allowing religious chaplains into public schools will not allow the @Satanic_Temple_
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) April 18, 2024
"You're gonna have Satanists running around in all our schools? Listen – we're not playing those games in Florida. That is not a religion."… https://t.co/ULiVLesCS9 pic.twitter.com/tAOAXgSLHr
He then likened the program to the chaplain program within the military.
The new law allows public schools to “adopt a policy to authorize volunteer school chaplains to provide support, services, and programs to students as assigned by the district school board or charter school governing board.”
Background screening is mandatory for individuals volunteering as chaplains, and parental consent is needed before any student engages in or receives support and services.
Christina Pushaw weighed in on X last week to show support for HB931.
“I see some Xeets arguing that the Satanists have a good case and will prevail in court. Trust that @GovRonDeSantis understands the law as well as anyone,” she said.
“He is a former prosecutor. He doesn’t sign laws that are unconstitutional. And he has been tested. The DeSantis Administration has gotten sued constantly for the last 5 years straight — and has prevailed in cases that nobody predicted,” she continued.
“I for one welcome the fight.”
I see some Xeets arguing that the Satanists have a good case and will prevail in court. Trust that @GovRonDeSantis understands the law as well as anyone. He is a former prosecutor. He doesn't sign laws that are unconstitutional. And he has been tested. The DeSantis Administration… https://t.co/zZFnsHcigA
— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) April 18, 2024
READ: British Pop Star Claims Taylor Swift is ‘Performing Satanic Rituals’
