(Christine Roberts) Members of the Satanic Temple, who will gather Jan. 25 at the State Capitol in Tallahassee, particularly like Scott’s support of Senate Bill 98, which allows students to read ‘inspirational messages’ at assemblies and sports events.
The group says the bill permits alternative views and lets Satanic children pray in school.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott doesn’t seem to have many fans these days. But he can count on the backing of one group: Satanists.
Members of the Satanic Temple are gearing up to rally on behalf of the Republican leader to commend “his defense of religious liberty,” the group said in a news release.
In particular, Satanists say they are impressed by Scott’s support of Senate Bill 98, which allows school districts to draft policies allowing students to read “inspirational messages” at assemblies and sports events.
“The bill is something we felt we could latch onto,” Lucien Greaves, a spokesperson for the Satanic Temple, told the Daily News. “It does allow for an alternative point of view.”
In the release, the group praises the bill, which went into effect July 12, for reaffirming “our American freedom to practice our faith openly, allowing our Satanic children the freedom to pray in school.”
Greaves added the bill, which was slammed by groups like Americans United for Separation of Church and State, helps “alternative, marginalized religions.”
“When it comes to faith-based initiatives, that’s the kind of the thing that gives minority religions access to foundational funding,” he said.
The rally is set to take place on Jan. 25 on the steps of the State Capitol in Tallahassee. Greaves likened the event to a “Satanic coming out.”
“In the ’80s and ’90s, there was a moral panic against the Satanists,” Greaves told The News. “But things seem to have leveled off a bit.
“We are a compassionate religion, with humanitarian goals,” he added. “We endorse people to pursue happiness so long as it doesn’t intrude on other people’s happiness.”
The Satanists and the Satanic Temple, officially founded in 2012, believe that Satan serves as “God’s proxy” on Earth.
Scott’s office did not immediately return The News’ request for comment. Greaves, however, does not expect him to attend the rally.
“We think it’s a long shot that he’ll show up,” he said.
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