Hail Satan?

On the steps of the historic State Capitol building in Tallahassee, Florida, a handful of citizens wearing hooded cloaks and polyester robes hold a rally in support of Governor Rick Scott’s proposed law to allow prayer in public schools. Chanting “Hail Satan! Hail Rick Scott!” the group’s demonically costumed spokesman announces to a smattering of TV cameras that the Satanic Temple fully embraces the prospective legislation. In truth, however, these media-savvy Satanists are playfully championing religious pluralism while illustrating the hypocrisy of Scott’s actions. The First Amendment prohibits the government from passing any laws “respecting the establishment of religion,” meaning it cannot promote one religion over another, so any legislation opening the door to religious activities in school would have to accept not only Christianity but unpopular religions such as Satanism. Despite the event’s awkwardness and low turnout, the publicity stunt makes national news and launches the recently formed Satanic Temple onto the public stage.