With the passage of a bill that would let volunteer chaplains in schools, the Satanic Temple organization is preparing to deploy its chaplains into Florida schools.
The religious organization promotes “effective and artistic protest,” as stated on its website, despite not truly believing in Satan.
The organization has fought for First Amendment rights and religious freedom across the country in the ten years since it was founded.
In addition, the Satanic Temple claims that its after-school programs provide an alternative to those provided by other faiths. Only in the event that there are other religious groups on campus are groups formed.
Now, a law that would permit the group’s chaplains to work in schools alongside other religious leaders is almost certain to pass Florida’s legislature.
The law, also referred to as Senate law 7044 or House Bill 931, was approved earlier this week during its last committee hearing. There appears to be a final Senate vote soon, and the bill will go into force on July 1st, in time for the upcoming academic year.
Director of ministry Penemue Grigori told the publication, “Any opportunity that exists for ministers or chaplains in the public sector must not discriminate based on religious affiliation.”
Together with the clergy of other faiths, “our ministers look forward to participating in opportunities to do good in the community, including the opportunities created by this bill.”
The group supports alternative addiction rehabilitation techniques, mental health patient safety, and reproductive rights in addition to trying to provide that option for schoolchildren.
These characteristics seem to be in line with the goals of Florida’s measure, which is being marketed as a means of supporting kids’ mental health needs.
But before a child meets with a chaplain, parents must give their approval. Additionally, background checks will be required before a volunteer is allowed to serve in a school. The new policy will be implemented at the discretion of the charter school administrators or local school boards.
Texas passed its version of the same bill last year, while Utah recently passed one that promised chaplains would be “nondenominational and fair to all.”
