Judge orders Iowa to permit Satanic Temple holiday event

A U.S. federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction requiring Iowa state officials to approve an application from The Satanic Temple to host a holiday event at the state Capitol. Chief District Judge Stephanie M. Rose ordered the Iowa Department of Administrative Services to grant the permit within seven days of the Nov. 2 ruling.

The event, which is scheduled for Dec. 12, 2026, includes plans for satanic carols, arts and crafts, and a Krampus costume contest. The state had previously denied the group’s application three times over the past three years, citing policies against obscene displays and concerns that the event would be harmful to minors.

In her ruling, Judge Rose rejected the state's arguments, finding that the denial targeted a specific religious perspective while other displays were permitted. The court concluded that the exclusion of the event was not justified under the law.

Legal counsel for the plaintiffs, including the ACLU of Iowa and attorneys from Kezhaya Law PLC and Hasso & Wilson Law Firm, argued that the government cannot discriminate against religious groups based on their beliefs. Matt Kezhaya, general counsel for The Satanic Temple, stated that the group is entitled to the same access to public spaces as other traditions.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird’s office has indicated that the state intends to appeal the decision. While the appeal moves forward, the underlying lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa continues, with the plaintiffs seeking a permanent injunction and damages.