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Iowa · Church and state · Night Desk ·
A federal judge ordered Iowa to approve The Satanic Temple's Capitol holiday event
U.S. District Judge Stephanie Rose granted The Satanic Temple a preliminary injunction on Nov. 2, ordering Iowa’s Department of Administrative Services to approve the group’s holiday event in the Capitol rotunda within seven days. She found the group likely to win its free speech claim. Iowa officials intend to appeal, according to Attorney General Brenna Bird’s office.
What happened
On Nov. 2, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Rose granted a preliminary injunction. It orders Iowa’s Department of Administrative Services to approve the group’s event in the Capitol rotunda within seven days.
Why the state said no
Officials cited Capitol rules on conduct harmful to minors, pointing to Krampus costumes and the sticks that go with them. The group planned caroling, coloring pages for children and ornament making.
What’s next
Iowa officials intend to appeal, Attorney General Brenna Bird’s office says. The ACLU of Iowa, which represents the group, says the state can’t favor one religion over another. The group’s lawyer says the event will go ahead.
“Not a permissible basis for excluding speech.” Judge Stephanie Rose, on the argument that Krampus might scare children, as reported by The Guardian