The Satanic Temple is alleging that city officials in Virginia have canceled an “After School Satan Club” meeting at a local library, a move the group believes is a violation of their rights.
The meeting was originally scheduled to take place at the Indian River Library in Chesapeake, Va., on Thursday afternoon. However, event organizers announced on social media that the meeting had been canceled.
In an Instagram post, the organization stated, “The meeting has been canceled by the City of Chesapeake. We believe this cancellation is unconstitutional and a violation of the rights of our families who had planned to attend the meeting, and we are consulting with our attorneys.”
The City of Chesapeake responded to the accusations by stating that it is responsible for enforcing policies to ensure events do not pose a threat to the public. The city released a statement explaining that individuals or organizations that fail to comply with these policies and agreements may have their facility usage canceled.
According to the Satanic Temple, the event was set to feature science projects, community service projects, puzzles and games, nature activities, and arts and crafts.
An unnamed volunteer for the Satanic Temple explained that the club was established as an alternative to the Evangelical Christian Good News Club at the B.M. Williams Primary School. The volunteer clarified that the club would not be discussing any deities in the Satanic religion. Additionally, children wishing to attend the club would need parental consent to join.
This is not the first time the organization has faced pushback in Chesapeake. The “After School Satan Club” held its first meeting in February at the primary school, causing outrage among parents in the district. The ACLU of Virginia argued that the organization is protected under the First Amendment, stating that the government cannot treat one religious group less favorably than another.
In May, a judge in Pennsylvania ruled that the club could assemble, as not allowing it would have violated the group’s First Amendment rights.
Rose Bastet, another volunteer with the Satanic Temple, acknowledged the outrage some community members feel towards the club, but emphasized that their focus is not on Satanic theology but rather on art and science. Bastet stated, “We have no interest in theological discussions with children; that is best left to their parents.”
Ed Booth, a legal analyst, explained that the organization’s meetings are legally protected based on a 2001 Supreme Court decision. The ruling in “Good News Club vs. Milford Central School” stated that schools cannot discriminate against speech that takes place within a “limited public forum” based solely on religion.
In May, a federal judge ruled that a Pennsylvania school district must allow the Satanist club to meet. The judge concluded that the Saucon Valley School District had violated the After School Satan Club’s free speech privileges when it rescinded its agreement to let the group meet on school grounds.