Florida agreed Thursday to let the Satanic Temple put up a holiday display at the Capitol, effectively putting to end a First Amendment lawsuit being filed by Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
The state had previously denied the satanists from building a display of an angel falling into the fires of Hell right next to a more Christian-themed one of a nativity scene. But the Americans United for Separation of Church and State — citing the Hobby Lobby case — said it would sue on behalf of the satanists, on the grounds that the state couldn’t constitutionally keep out a display it deemed “offensive.”
In a written statement, the Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of the group, called the state’s turn-around a good decision.
“Free speech is for everyone and all groups,” he said in the emailed statement. “State officials simply can’t get into the business of deciding that some unpopular messages are ’offensive’ and must be banned.”
In an email, the state advised Americans United for the Separation of Church and State that satanists could put up their display between Dec. 22 and Dec. 29.
“Although we are pleased that the state has finally agreed to allow the Satanic Temple’s display, our clients should not have been forced to find legal counsel and plan a lawsuit just to get access to an open forum,” said senior litigation counsel Gregory Lipper.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.