DeSantis says Satanism is ‘not real’ and ‘not qualifying’ for new Florida school chaplain program

Left: FILE - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gestures during a news conference, Jan. 26, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File). Right: The Satanic Temple logo. (Satanic Temple website.)

Left: FILE – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gestures during a news conference, Jan. 26, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File). Right: The Satanic Temple logo. (Satanic Temple website.)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis may have just set himself up for a First Amendment fight from hell.

Last week, the Republican governor signed two bills into law known as HB 1317 and HB 931, legislation first introduced by Republicans in the Florida statehouse this January and December respectively.

HB 1317 pushed for “patriotic organizations” to have voluntary representation in K-12 schools and HB 931 specifically pushed for approval of access to public schools by voluntary chaplains. For proponents, the bills, as written, were a chance for “patriotic organizations to speak to students, distribute certain materials, and provide opportunities for certain displays relating to the patriotic organizations” among other goals.

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