In a recent development, an Iowa legislator has called on Governor Kim Reynolds to remove a Satanic display from the Iowa Capitol building.
Brad Sherman, the lawmaker in question, has expressed his desire not only to eliminate the mirrored, caped statue of Baphomet, adorned with a black and red "holiday wreath" featuring a pentagram at its center, but also to prevent similar incidents from recurring. The contentious display was installed by the Iowa chapter of the Satanic Temple, a move that Sherman has described as "disgusting."
Sherman stated, "The outrage and disgust for this satanic display is widespread, but few people think there is much that can be legally done about it because of free speech and freedom of religion. However, I disagree." He argued that despite the Iowa Constitution being the supreme law of the state, providing the legal basis for all other state laws, it does not imply that Satan worship should be permitted within the state capitol building.
Sherman referenced the preamble of the state's constitution, which states, "WE THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF IOWA, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of those blessings, do ordain and establish a free and independent government, by the name of the State of Iowa..." He interpreted this as an acknowledgment by Iowa that "There is One Supreme God" and that all blessings bestowed upon the state "come from the One Supreme God."
Sherman wrote, "It is a tortured and twisted interpretation of law that affords Satan, who is universally understood to be the enemy of God, religious expression equal to God in an institution of government that depends upon God for continued blessings. Such a legal view not only violates the very foundation of our State Constitution, but it offends the God upon whom we depend and undermines our wellbeing."
Sherman further argued that "to allow satanic expression in the State Capitol and other public property is to surrender to Satans demands for equality with God which was his original sin." He urged Governor Reynolds to remove the display.
"I am calling for our governor to have this blasphemous display removed immediately based on the grounds that it is unconstitutional and offends God upon whom the State of Iowa depends for blessings," Sherman stated. "I am calling for clarifying legislation to be adopted in accordance with our State Constitution that prohibits satanic displays in our Capitol building and on all state owned property. I am calling for legislation to be adopted that makes it legal to display the Ten Commandments in our Capitol, in all buildings owned by the state, and in our public schools."
The Satanic Temple's Baphomet statue is allowed in the capitol for a fortnight. "Happy Holidays!" The Satanic Temple posted on their Facebook page after setting up the display.
The Satanic Temple expressed pride in participating in the holiday season festivities and shared their seven core beliefs. The national group advocates for the legalization of abortion on demand, asserting it as a religious rite.
They also recommend an "abortion ritual" for women who take abortion pills. The group has initiated After School Satan Clubs at numerous schools across the U.S., leveraging free speech laws to argue that their religion deserves the same respect as traditional religions.
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