Federal Judge Orders Iowa to Allow Satanic Temple Holiday Event at Capitol

A federal judge ordered Iowa state officials on Monday to permit a local chapter of The Satanic Temple to hold a holiday event in the rotunda of the state capitol.

Chief District Judge Stephanie M. Rose directed the current director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services to approve the group's application within seven days, according to The Guardian. In her ruling, Rose said the group was likely to succeed on its free speech claim. The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa won a preliminary injunction, a temporary court order that applies while a case continues, which cleared the way for the event, Iowa Capital Dispatch reported.

The court order allows a one-day event, which is scheduled for December 12, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The group's proposal includes costumes of Krampus, a horned figure from holiday folklore who is traditionally portrayed as a companion to Saint Nicholas, along with caroling, coloring for children and ornament making.

Some officials had objected to parts of the plan. Rose wrote that the argument that the Krampus character might scare children was "not a permissible basis for excluding speech." She also addressed an argument about sticks included with costumes, writing that it "cannot justify denying the entire event."

The dispute has a history. The Satanic Temple held a religious holiday display in the Iowa State Capitol in December 2023, and that display was vandalized. The group's application for a holiday display and event at the capitol for the following year was denied. In August, The Satanic Temple and its Iowa chapter leader filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination by former and current Iowa state officials.

Iowa Republicans intend to appeal the federal judge's decision, according to the office of Attorney General Brenna Bird.