Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed a bill on Thursday that would allow volunteer chaplains in Florida schools, although one religion may not be able to use the new law.
The legislation creates a statewide program in which school districts and charter schools can allow volunteer chaplains on school campuses to provide counseling to children. The Satanic Temple, however, may not be able to volunteer as other religions are allowed to.
“We’re not playing those games in Florida,” DeSantis said when asked about that transpiring. “[Satanism] is not a religion. That is not qualifying to be able to participate in this.”
The Satanic Temple disagreed with the governor’s statement.
“Despite DeSantis’s contempt for religious liberty, the Constitution guarantees our equal treatment under the law, and DeSantis is not at liberty to amend the Constitution by fiat, at whim,” said Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple. “He just invited Satanic chaplains into public schools, whether he likes it or not.”
The disagreement could result in a First Amendment fight in the Sunshine State. Florida Satanic Temple members previously said they would utilize the legislation if passed. DeSantis’s claims about the Satanic Temple, however, appear to stand in direct contrast to those of the bill’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Erin Grall.
“I think that as soon as we get in the middle of defining what is religion and what is not, and whether or not someone can be available and be on a list, we start to run [into] constitutional problems,” Grall said before the legislation passed. The Satanic Temple is recognized as a tax-exempt church by the IRS.
The legislation does not require Florida schools to utilize the chaplain services. The law will take effect on July 1, and schools will have until Jan. 1, 2025, to enroll.
“You got a lot of these problems that kids go through. There are some students where they need some soul craft, and that can make all the difference in the world. So these chaplains will be able to come and provide services,” DeSantis said.
Parents will need to provide written consent for their children to utilize the program. Schools that enroll will need to provide a list of the chaplains, who must undergo background checks, as well as their religious affiliation.
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Some Florida lawmakers argued that religious figures do not belong in public and charter schools.
“The minute that you try to put your religion upon other people, that’s when it becomes a problem. And as a member of a minority religion, I feel it every day. And it makes me so uncomfortable,” Democratic state Sen. Tina Polsky said. “To me, religion is something you choose to do with your family after school.”
