Satanic Temple accuses Iowa officials of religious discrimination

The Satanic Temple's leader in Iowa is accusing state officials of religious discrimination against the group. The civil rights complaint filed Tuesday says the Satanic Temple was denied access to the state Capitol building for a December holiday display and event. The group’s holiday observances garnered national attention in 2023 after a Mississippi man destroyed their display in the Iowa statehouse alongside a Christmas tree and other religious holiday installations. The organization's application for a display and event in December 2024 was denied. The Satanic Temple says the decision violated the group's constitutional rights and Iowa civil rights law.