A federal judge has cleared the way for the Satanic Temple to host a holiday event inside Iowa's state Capitol in December, overturning years of opposition from Republican officials.
Chief District Judge Stephanie Rose issued the ruling on Monday, stating that the Satanic Temple was likely to prevail in its free speech claim. The decision mandates that state officials approve the December 12 gathering within seven days. The event is expected to feature costumed Krampus characters, caroling, and children's activities.
The Satanic Temple had filed a lawsuit in August against the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, its director Mark Campbell, and former director Adam Steen. The group accused state officials of religious discrimination, alleging that its applications for holiday events were repeatedly rejected while other religious organizations were permitted to host theirs.
State officials had previously argued that the group's proposed displays and activities violated rules against excessive violence and obscene material. Concerns were specifically raised about a planned costume contest featuring Krampus, a figure from European folklore who punishes misbehaving children. Former department director Adam Steen had stated in 2024 that the organization should not market to children or involve them in rituals.
However, Judge Rose dismissed these concerns, ruling that the possibility of frightening children was not a sufficient basis for denial. "Excluding Krampus costumes because they might frighten children, while admitting the season's celebratory displays, targets a perspective on the holiday rather than the holiday itself," she wrote.
Shefali Aurora, an ACLU of Iowa staff attorney, stated that state officials denied the Satanic Temple permission due to their disagreement with the group's religious viewpoint. "It is a foundational principle that the government cannot restrict speech in this way, favor one religion over another, or discriminate against religious groups because they don’t agree with them," Aurora said.
Matt Kezhaya, the Satanic Temple's general counsel, emphasized that the event was intended to be family-friendly and that officials' disapproval did not make their expression "harmful."
The Iowa Attorney General's Office has announced plans to appeal the ruling, citing concerns that the event is inappropriate for a public space frequented by children. "Families with young children visit the Capitol regularly, especially over the holiday season. The State of Iowa wants the Capitol complex to be safe and welcoming for those kids," a spokesperson for Attorney General Brenna Bird stated.
The Satanic Temple, founded in Massachusetts in 2013, identifies as a non-theistic religious organization that advocates for secularism and the separation of church and state. The group states it does not worship Satan but uses the figure as a symbol of personal liberty and opposition to authoritarianism.
This is not the first controversy surrounding the organization's holiday displays at the Iowa Capitol. In December 2023, an installation featuring Baphomet, a goat-headed figure, was vandalized shortly after its erection.