Local Politics · Des Moines, IA
Federal Judge Orders Iowa to Allow Satanic Temple Event at State Capitol
Chief District Judge Stephanie M. Rose ruled Monday that Iowa state officials must approve the Satanic Temple's application for a holiday event in the Iowa State Capitol rotunda within seven days, finding the group likely to succeed on its free speech claim. The Satanic Temple Iowa sued in August after Republican-led state officials repeatedly rejected their applications, citing building policies against gratuitous violence and obscene displays. The group's proposed event includes Krampus costumes, caroling, children's coloring activities, and ornament making. Attorney General Brenna Bird's office said the state intends to appeal the ruling.