The leader of the Satanic Grotto was led away in handcuffs at the Kansas Statehouse Friday morning after he scuffled with a protester who objected to his &#8220;black mass&#8221; ceremony there.
Michael Stewart, president of the Satanic Grotto, was tackled to the ground by police officers in the rotunda of the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka as he attempted to hold the &#8220;black mass&#8221; ceremony.
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🚨BREAKING: The leader of the Satanic Grotto gets arrested at Kansas State Capitol for assaulting a Catholic during a &quot;Black Mass&quot; attempt. <a href="https://t.co/oo55sxO0SN">pic.twitter.com/oo55sxO0SN</a>
&mdash; CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) <a href="https://twitter.com/CatholicVote/status/1905673783416934437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Just before his arrest, Stewart appeared to repeatedly punch a protester who came up to him and tried to grab something out of his hand that he was holding above his head as he called out to Satan.
He told officers he was not resisting arrest as he was handcuffed.
“Hail Satan! I dedicate this building to Satan!” Stewart could be heard shouting as he was led away.
Onlookers could be heard praying a &#8220;Hail Mary&#8221; as Stewart was led away.
The Satanic Grotto previously said Friday&#8217;s “black mass” event would “dedicate the grounds and our legislature to the glory of Satan.”
“God will fall and Kansas will be embraced by the black flame of Lucifer,” the group <a href="https://www.kwch.com/2025/03/12/gov-kelly-responds-plans-black-mass-event-kansas-statehouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.
“I will be performing that black mass in our State Capitol,” Satanic Grotto President Michael Stewart previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/kansas-gov-not-doing-enough-to-stop-satanists-from-performing-black-mass-at-capitol-critics-say">told</a> The Daily Wire. “If they have to arrest me, then they have to arrest me.”
A “black mass” is an explicit parody of the Catholic Mass that may use consecrated hosts, which Catholics believe to be the physical body, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ.
“We have wafers,” Stewart said previously. “I don’t want to comment on whether they’re consecrated or not because that would ruin the mystery.”
Alarmed critics warned the controversial event is wildly offensive to Catholics and could be disruptive.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly had warned the Satanic Grotto president to move his event outside, saying “no protests will be allowed inside the Statehouse” on that day.
As Stewart entered the statehouse building, an officer <a href="https://www.ksnt.com/capitol-bureau/satanic-grotto-leader-take-away-in-handcuffs-at-the-kansas-statehouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> him he was welcome to be inside, but that he would be arrested if he tried to hold an event or cause a disruption.
Earlier in the morning, police also apprehended a man who <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2025/03/28/christians-and-satanists-hold-competing-rallies-at-kansas-statehouse/82704649007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tackled</a> Stewart and grabbed a communion wafer from him as he held the &#8220;black mass&#8221; on the steps of the Capitol building. Later, Stewart ventured inside.
The hundreds of Catholic and Christian protesters who showed up Friday morning to rally outside the Kansas Statehouse far <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2025/03/28/christians-and-satanists-hold-competing-rallies-at-kansas-statehouse/82704649007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">outnumbered</a> the few dozen Satanists who held their own rally. Many officers with the Kansas Highway Patrol and Capitol Police were present as well.
Catholics also held masses at two nearby churches, one across the street and another a few blocks away.
It is not yet clear what, if any, charges Stewart will face.
The Satanic Grotto president has previously shown up outside Planned Parenthood and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thesatanicgrotto/reel/ChNz3tYJNSL/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">performed</a> lewd gestures to pro-life protesters outside.

US-NEWS-SATANIST-LEADER-ARRESTED-AFTER-PHYSICAL-1-KC

Satanist Arrested After Punching Protester At Black Mass In Kansas Statehouse

Catholic

Catholicism

Kansas

Religion

satanic

U.S.

A prominent Catholic group is urging Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to stop a Satanist group from performing a &#8220;black mass&#8221; at the Statehouse.
The Satanic Grotto is <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/kansas-gov-not-doing-enough-to-stop-satanists-from-performing-black-mass-at-capitol-critics-say" target="_blank" rel="noopener">planning</a> to hold a &#8220;black mass&#8221; on March 28 at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka, causing alarm among critics who warned the controversial event is wildly offensive to Catholics and could be disruptive.
CatholicVote, one of the country’s largest Catholic advocacy groups, sent a letter to Kelly, a Democrat, on Wednesday urging her to prevent any religious desecration at the capitol building.
&#8220;While we recognize the constitutional protections for speech and expression, we also trust that your office understands the importance of maintaining law, order, and the integrity of government property against any attempts to disrupt its normal function,&#8221; wrote Logan Church, CatholicVote&#8217;s director of political operations in her letter to Kelly, which was provided to The Daily Wire.
The Satanic Grotto said the &#8220;black mass&#8221; event will &#8220;dedicate the grounds and our legislature to the glory of Satan.&#8221;
&#8220;God will fall and Kansas will be embraced by the black flame of Lucifer,&#8221; the group <a href="https://www.kwch.com/2025/03/12/gov-kelly-responds-plans-black-mass-event-kansas-statehouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.
“I will be performing that black mass in our State Capitol,” Satanic Grotto President Michael Stewart previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/kansas-gov-not-doing-enough-to-stop-satanists-from-performing-black-mass-at-capitol-critics-say">told</a> The Daily Wire. “If they have to arrest me, then they have to arrest me.”
A &#8220;black mass&#8221; is an explicit parody of the Catholic Mass that may use consecrated hosts, which Catholics believe to be the physical body, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ.
“We have wafers,” Stewart said. “I don’t want to comment on whether they’re consecrated or not because that would ruin the mystery.”
CatholicVote said the &#8220;black mass&#8221; event &#8220;clearly violates building policies and established protocols&#8221; and is an &#8220;unauthorized use of the Statehouse.&#8221;
The group said it is &#8220;deeply concerned&#8221; about potential &#8220;illegal entry and disorder&#8221; at the capitol building and urged the governor to strictly enforce the policies governing the use of the capitol building
&#8220;The Statehouse belongs to the people, of all religious beliefs, and cannot be used for religious desecration,&#8221; the group wrote. &#8220;If Stewart or his group attempts to trespass or disrupt the Capitol’s function, law enforcement should be fully prepared to respond appropriately, including arrests if necessary,&#8221; CatholicVote wrote.
The group called on the governor to make sure security limits entry to those with official business and is prepared to prevent safety threats to members of the public, &#8220;including those peacefully praying outside.&#8221;
&#8220;The Kansas Capitol symbolizes law, order, and the values of the people it represents. Allowing a group that openly declares its intent to violate regulations and perform a blasphemous act inside a state building would set a dangerous precedent,&#8221; CatholicVote said.
Kelly has said that all events for March 28 will be moved outdoors, and &#8220;no protests will be allowed inside the Statehouse&#8221; on that day.
&#8220;Respect for constitutional rights must always be balanced with a commitment to preserving order, safety, and the integrity of public institutions,&#8221; Church said in a statement to The Daily Wire.
&#8220;When an individual or group openly challenges the laws that govern public spaces, it is not only a matter of policy enforcement, but of protecting the values that hold our community together,&#8221; she added. &#8220;Christians everywhere should unite, standing firm against such blasphemous actions from all angles — through peaceful protest, public dialogue, and unwavering support for the sanctity of our shared values.&#8221;
Stewart, the Satanic Grotto president has previously shown up outside Planned Parenthood and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thesatanicgrotto/reel/ChNz3tYJNSL/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">performed</a> lewd gestures to pro-life protesters outside.

US-CONVENTION-SATAN

EXCLUSIVE: Catholic Group Urges Kansas Governor To Block Satanic Black Mass At Capitol

Catholic Group Urges Kansas Governor To Block Satanic Black Mass At Capitol

Satanists who plan to perform a &#8220;black mass&#8221; in the Kansas Statehouse are undeterred by an attempt to move the event by Democrat Governor Laura Kelly, who critics say isn&#8217;t doing enough to make sure the event doesn&#8217;t happen.
The leader of the Kansas Satanic Grotto told The Daily Wire that he will defy Kelly&#8217;s attempt to move the event out of the government building. Michael Stewart, who calls himself “The Devil of Kansas,” said Kelly “caved” to pressure from Republicans and Catholics on Wednesday when she ordered the planned March 28 “black mass” moved to the steps outside the statehouse.
“I will be performing that black mass in our State Capitol,” Stewart said. “If they have to arrest me, then they have to arrest me. I will be putting the call out to every satanist within three hours of Kansas City or Topeka and saying, ‘Who wants to march into the Capitol with me?’ We&#8217;ll see how many show up.”
An explicit parody of the Catholic Mass, satanic black masses have <a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/262621/kansas-bishops-call-for-prayers-plan-legal-response-to-planned-black-mass" target="_blank" rel="noopener">historically involved</a> the desecration of consecrated Communion Hosts, which Catholics believe to be the body, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. In a statement, the Catholic Bishops of Kansas said that any planned desecration of the Eucharist would “be an insult to not only Catholics but all people of goodwill.”
During the event, the Satanic Grotto <a href="https://www.kwch.com/2025/03/12/gov-kelly-responds-plans-black-mass-event-kansas-statehouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">says</a> it will “dedicate the grounds and our legislature to the glory of Satan” by “indulging in sacrilegious blaspheme.”
“We have wafers,” Stewart told The Daily Wire. “I don&#8217;t want to comment on whether they&#8217;re consecrated or not because that would ruin the mystery.”
Stewart said he did “not believe anyone in our group has obtained a consecrated wafer through illegal or fraudulent means.” Pressed if those “illegal or fraudulent means” included a member of the Satanic Grotto receiving Communion in a Catholic Church, Stewart said, “The Catholics have informed me that that&#8217;s all their property, so as far as I know, there is no legal way to grab it.”
Chuck Weber, Executive Director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, says Kelly isn&#8217;t doing nearly enough to stop the black mass.
“Make no mistake, it’s going to be a vile and despicable satanic worship ritual,” Weber told The Daily Wire, adding that Kelly’s decision to move the event from inside to the statehouse steps is “a distinction without a difference,” akin to moving something from your living room to the front porch.
Weber expressed frustration with Kelly’s statement, noting that while she emphasized Kansans&#8217; rights to “free expression,” she failed to exercise her “duty to express her condemnation of this provocative hatred and anti-Catholic bigotry.”
“There are more constructive ways to protest and express disagreements without insulting or denigrating sacred religious symbols,” Kelly <a href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/573/56" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>. “However, as governor, I also have a duty to protect protesters’ constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression, regardless of how offensive or distasteful I might find the content to be.”
Kelly’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
Former Kansas congressman Tim Huelskamp, a Republican, told The Daily Wire that this issue transcends politics.
“Every politician, whether they’re Catholic or not, should do everything within their power to make certain this event doesn’t happen,” he said. “There should be no black mass ever held on state property in Kansas, and I think it’s within the right and responsibility of the attorney general and the governor of Kansas to make sure this doesn’t happen.”
Ironically, the satanist Stewart is also disappointed in Kelly’s statement. He says he’s “supported the Democratic Party in the past” because he believes that “no human is illegal,” and tries “to be anti-racist.” But “in the wake of Biden” and “the way everything&#8217;s turned out” with the black mass, he says he’s “sick of” Democrats.
“Hell, I&#8217;ll run for governor in 2026,” Stewart said. “The Devil of Kansas for Governor.”
In 2014, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma <a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/30380/successful-okla-lawsuit-could-stop-future-black-masses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sued</a> to stop an occult group that claimed to be in possession of a consecrated Host from holding a black mass. The Archdiocese successfully argued that the Host was stolen property, and the organizers were forced to turn it over to a Catholic priest. If the Kansas Satanic Grotto is found to be in possession of a consecrated Host, the Archdiocese of Kansas and its allies could rely on the Oklahoma case to launch a similar suit.
Stewart told The Daily Wire that the point of the black mass “is not to mock the Catholic Church,” but to engage in a kind of “therapeutic blasphemy” wherein satanists “express some of the anger, and the pain and the sorrow” they feel from their Catholic or other religious upbringings.
Weber echoed the Kansas bishops in calling for Catholics to pray for Stewart’s conversion “during this season of Lent,” when Catholics prepare for Easter with fasting and penitence. Weber observed that the story of Satan tempting Jesus in the desert — which Catholics hear each year on the first Sunday of Lent — offers a model for how to respond to the Kansas satanists.
“Jesus doesn’t ignore the devil,” Weber noted, “but He doesn’t give him that much more oxygen, either.”

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Kansas Gov Not Doing Enough To Stop Satanists From Performing ‘Black Mass’ At Capitol, Critics Say

Catholic Church

Police are investigating after someone ripped down a city-sanctioned statue of a hooded demon outside the State House in Concord, New Hampshire.
The Satanic Temple&#8217;s holiday display, which depicted the pagan deity Baphomet was unveiled Saturday night but knocked down before Tuesday morning.
“Santa wouldn’t do this,” Concord Deputy Police Chief John Thomas quipped. “Santa loves everybody.”
State Representative Ellen Read, Democrat, approached the Satanic Temple about doing a display after seeing other holiday displays at the State House, she said.
&#8220;I approached them as a person who cares about equal representation on public grounds for religions,&#8221; Read <a href="https://www.wmur.com/article/satanic-temple-display-new-hampshire-vandalism/63151556" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.
On Tuesday morning, Read could be <a href="https://nhjournal.com/demonic-christmas-display-at-state-house-destroyed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">seen</a> picking up the pieces of the goat-headed figure off the ground after it was vandalized, including putting the statue&#8217;s life-size legs in her car.
&#8220;The reaction seems so emotional, so knee-jerk, that the idea that a mannequin and a goat mask would create all of this animosity,&#8221; Read <a href="https://www.wmur.com/article/satanic-temple-display-new-hampshire-vandalism/63151556" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.
The city of Concord had approved the demonic display, saying it was permitted under the First Amendment. A Christmas tree, a nativity scene, and a Bill of Rights display were also erected.
“Under the First Amendment and to avoid litigation, the City needed to choose whether to ban all holiday displays installed by other groups, or otherwise, to allow it,” the city said in a statement.
“After reviewing its legal options, the City ultimately decided to continue the policy of allowing unattended displays at City Plaza during this holiday season and to allow the statue. It is anticipated that the City Council will review next year whether permits for unattended holiday displays should be allowed at City Plaza,” the city said.
However, the mayor was not keen on the display.
&#8220;I opposed the permit because I believe the request was made not in the interest of promoting religious equity, but in order to drive an anti-religious political agenda,&#8221; Mayor Byron Champlin said.
One New Hampshire Christian advocacy group, Cornerstone, mocked the display, saying The Satanic Temple is &#8220;not Charles Manson: it’s just your liberal feminist aunt trying to trigger you by mocking your faith.&#8221;
“The Satanic Temple are not Satanists. They have no religious belief in any Satan figure. They are normal, atheist feminists who use Satanic imagery as a legal tactic, to fundraise through media exposure, and because offending Christian grandmothers brings a sense of meaning to their sad lives,” the group said in a <a href="https://nhjournal.com/demonic-christmas-display-at-state-house-destroyed/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=demonic-christmas-display-at-state-house-destroyed#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20Satanic%20Temple%20are%20not,it%20said%20in%20a%20statement.">statement</a>.
The Satanic Temple has <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/satanic-temple-loses-lawsuit-against-indiana-abortion-ban" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sued</a> over abortion bans and at one point even <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/satanists-turn-on-leader-over-transgenderism-after-he-takes-photo-with-ex-woke-atheist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">turned on</a> their own leader over transgender ideology.

US-religion-SATAN

‘Santa Wouldn’t Do This:’ Satanic Statue In Front Of New Hampshire State House Ripped Down

'Santa Wouldn't Do This:' Satanic Statue In Front Of New Hampshire State House Ripped Down

New Hampshire

Michael Cassidy, a 35-year-old Navy veteran, was charged with a hate crime on Tuesday after he admitted to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/man-charged-for-beheading-satanic-display-in-iowa-state-capitol" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beheading a Satanic statue</a> that was on display in the Iowa State Capitol building last month.
Cassidy, a Christian who lives in Mississippi and previously ran for a congressional seat, was arrested and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief after beheading the statue. Court documents now say that the damage done to the statue will cost between $750 and $1,500 to repair, and prosecutors allege that Cassidy acted &#8220;in violation of individual rights&#8221; under Iowa’s hate crime statute, KCCI <a href="https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-satanic-temple-display-vandalized-capitol-michael-cassidy-hate-crime-charges/46588538#" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>. The documents also note that in light of new evidence, his charge has been upped to third-degree criminal mischief, a class D felony.
&#8220;Evidence shows the defendant made statements to law enforcement and the public indicating he destroyed the property because of the victim’s religion,&#8221; <a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2024/01/30/iowa-capitol-satanic-statue-vandalism-hate-crime-michael-cassidy-mississippi/72413585007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> Lynn Hicks, a spokesman for the Polk County Attorney&#8217;s Office, according to the Des Moines Register.
The Satanic Temple of Iowa had received permission from the state to display a Baphomet statue in the state capitol building, and it was reportedly set up near Nativity displays showcased for the Christmas holiday.
Shortly after the incident, Cassidy <a href="https://republicsentinel.com/articles/exclusive-christian-tears-down-and-beheads-satan-shrine-in-iowa-capitol?fbclid=IwAR3IAvn-ot35lKKtSK6UhP1YOt7PFHyjQdEWQCCzjMiB26OWyYC8y197168" target="_blank" rel="noopener">explained</a> to The Republic Sentinel why he decided to destroy the Satanic display.
“I saw this blasphemous statue and was outraged,” Cassidy told the outlet in December. “My conscience is held captive to the word of God, not to bureaucratic decree. And so I acted.”
“The world may tell Christians to submissively accept the legitimization of Satan, but none of the founders would have considered government sanction of Satanic altars inside Capitol buildings as protected by the First Amendment,” Cassidy added. “Anti-Christian values have steadily been mainstreamed more and more in recent decades, and Christians have largely acted like the proverbial frog in the boiling pot of water.”
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds spoke out in opposition to the Satanic statue but urged people to counter the “objectionable” display through more speech.
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“Like many Iowans, I find the Satanic Temple’s display in the Capitol absolutely objectionable. In a free society, the best response to objectionable speech is more speech, and I encourage all those of faith to join me today in praying over the Capitol and recognizing the nativity scene that will be on display – the true reason for the season,” Reynolds <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/man-charged-for-beheading-satanic-display-in-iowa-state-capitol" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.
A <a href="https://www.givesendgo.com/michael-cassidy-legal-defense" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GiveSendGo</a> set up for Cassidy’s legal defense has raised more than $90,000.

Veteran Who Smashed Satanic Statue In Iowa State Capitol Charged With Hate Crime

Christians

Hate Crime

Iowa

Veterans

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/lil-nas-x">Lil Nas X</a> is facing backlash for an image promoting his newest <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/music">single</a>, “J Christ,” which depicts the rapper being crucified on a cross.
The 24-year-old recording artist announced the song’s upcoming release on X with a still image and a GIF further promoting the song. &#8220;MY NEW SINGLE IS DEDICATED TO THE MAN WHO HAD THE GREATEST COMEBACK OF ALL TIME! J CHRIST JANUARY 12, 2024 00:00 EST BE THERE!&#8221; he wrote. 
Many commenters on the platform speculated the song would be a mockery of the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/christianity">Christian</a> faith and <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/jesus-christ">Jesus Christ</a>.
&#8220;Oh gee whiz I’m sure this won’t be as blasphemous as possible,&#8221; conservative author Rachel Wilson <a href="https://twitter.com/Rach4Patriarchy/status/1744436437347410220">replied</a> to the photo.
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Oh gee whiz I’m sure this won’t be as blasphemous as possible 😒 <a href="https://t.co/bJc23uqBUz">https://t.co/bJc23uqBUz</a>
&mdash; Rachel Wilson (@Rach4Patriarchy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rach4Patriarchy/status/1744436437347410220?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;This is demonic,&#8221; Christian rapper Bryson Gray <a href="https://twitter.com/RealBrysonGray/status/1744415022430740903">agreed</a>.
&#8220;Singer @LilNasX MOCKS Jesus in a teaser for his new single ‘J Christ’ as he appears in underwear and silver boots in a video clip posted to his X,” former transgender influencer Oli London <a href="https://twitter.com/OliLondonTV/status/1744453573239361984">wrote</a>. “The singer has previously courted outrage for promoting Satanic practices including selling sneakers containing human blood.&#8221;
Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, made headlines in the past for including Satanic imagery in his music videos and selling Satan-themed sneakers. The rapper has since announced his switch to promoting Christianity. 
Many fans were confused in November 2023 when Hill released a music video of a worship song, <a href="https://twitter.com/LilNasX/status/1730039265890078987">asking</a> fans, “Y’all mind if I enter my Christian era?” 
When people asked in the comments if the rapper was just trolling everyone, Hill <a href="https://twitter.com/LilNasX/status/1730075611497205913">replied</a>, “making Christian (sic) music does not mean i can’t s*** d*** no more. the two are not mutually exclusive. i am allowed to get on my knees for multiple reasons.”
When fans called his latest song release sacrilegious, Lil Nas X once again insisted it wasn’t.
&#8220;[T]he crazy thing is nowhere in the picture is a mockery of jesus (sic). Jesus’s image is used throughout history in people’s art all over the world. I’m not making fun of sh**. yall just gotta stop trying to gatekeep a religion that was here before any of us were even born. Stfu,&#8221; he <a href="https://twitter.com/LilNasX/status/1744405262025228674">wrote</a>.
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Later, Hill claimed he was accepted to a Christian college.
“I know twitter hates me right now but i want yall to know im literally about to go to college for biblical studies in the fall. Not everything is a troll! Anyways IM A STUDENT AGAIN! LETS GOOO,” the rapper <a href="https://twitter.com/LilNasX/status/1744865818125443325">wrote</a> alongside a photo of an acceptance letter to the evangelical Christian college Liberty University on Tuesday.
Community Notes added a disclaimer that the letter appeared to be signed by former university president Jerry Falwell, who died in 2007, meaning the letter was almost certainly not legitimate.

Lil Nas X

‘Blasphemous’: Lil Nas X Blasted For Promoting New Song ‘J Christ’ With Image Of Rapper On A Cross

Lil Nas X Blasted For Promoting New Song 'J Christ' With Image Of Rapper On A Cross

Celebrities

Christianity

Entertainment

Jesus Christ

The man who destroyed a Satanic holiday display in the Iowa State Capitol on Thursday has been arrested and charged, police said.
Michael Cassidy, 35, was arrested after allegedly beheading a Baphomet statue put up last week by the Satanic Temple of Iowa, the Iowa State Police <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/satanic-display-inside-iowa-state-capitol-destroyed-man-charged-officials" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed</a> to Fox News.
He has been charged with 4th-degree criminal mischief.
Cassidy, a former Navy pilot who now works as a flight instructor and was previously a Mississippi congressional candidate, <a href="https://republicsentinel.com/articles/exclusive-christian-tears-down-and-beheads-satan-shrine-in-iowa-capitol?fbclid=IwAR3IAvn-ot35lKKtSK6UhP1YOt7PFHyjQdEWQCCzjMiB26OWyYC8y197168" target="_blank" rel="noopener">explained</a> to The Republic Sentinel why he decided to destroy the Satanic display.
“I saw this blasphemous statue and was outraged,” Cassidy told the outlet. “My conscience is held captive to the word of God, not to bureaucratic decree. And so I acted.”
“The world may tell Christians to submissively accept the legitimization of Satan, but none of the founders would have considered government sanction of Satanic altars inside Capitol buildings as protected by the First Amendment,” Cassidy added. “Anti-Christian values have steadily been mainstreamed more and more in recent decades, and Christians have largely acted like the proverbial frog in the boiling pot of water.”
After being charged, Cassidy posted a Bible verse to social media on Thursday evening.
“1 Peter 5:8 KJV Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,” Cassidy posted on X.
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The Satanic Temple of Iowa <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/688085943432528" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> in a Facebook post that the statue was &#8220;destroyed beyond repair&#8221; but that they will continue their holiday display for the next few days.
“We ask that for safety, visitors travel together and use the 7 Tenets as a reminder for empathy, in the knowledge that justice is being pursued the correct way, through legal means,” the group wrote. “Happy Holidays! Hail Satan!&#8221;
The Satanic Temple of Iowa <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SatanicIowa/posts/pfbid0WraUi8Axcy8CBaFPcc4ZUP4UCtEKtHSKWTfoj58h4qq8Z6EHt5YbkAHybZizZBVil" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> it obtained permission from the state for the display, which was <a href="https://republicsentinel.com/articles/exclusive-christian-tears-down-and-beheads-satan-shrine-in-iowa-capitol?fbclid=IwAR3IAvn-ot35lKKtSK6UhP1YOt7PFHyjQdEWQCCzjMiB26OWyYC8y197168" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> set up near displays of the Nativity on the first floor of the Iowa Capitol. The display showed the idol Baphomet holding a pentacle surrounded by candles.
Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) encouraged residents to counter the &#8220;objectionable&#8221; display with more speech.
“Like many Iowans, I find the Satanic Temple’s display in the Capitol absolutely objectionable. In a free society, the best response to objectionable speech is more speech, and I encourage all those of faith to join me today in praying over the Capitol and recognizing the nativity scene that will be on display – the true reason for the season,” Reynolds <a href="https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/2023-12-12/gov-reynolds-statement-satanic-temple-display" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> Tuesday in a statement.

Man Charged For Beheading Satanic Display In Iowa State Capitol

Man Charged Who Beheaded Satanic Display In Iowa State Capitol

Freedom of Religion

Kim Reynolds

Religious Freedom

A friend of mine and her family live near Lebanon, Connecticut, a small, rural town in the southeastern corner of the state. She recently contacted me, sharing her concern over a new club for young learners at her local elementary school. The name of the club – and this is not a belated Halloween joke – is “<a href="https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/after-school-satan-club-lebanon-ct-18483405.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">After School Satan Club</a>.” 
 
Yes, Satanists are running a club at an elementary school. In fact, they advertise it on a flyer designed with cute colored pencils. While the club is not “approved or sponsored by the school district,” the first meeting is set for December 1, 2023. 
The middle of the flyer contains this disclaimer:
<blockquote>The Satanic Temple is a non-theistic religion that views Satan as a literary figure who represents a metaphorical construct of rejecting tyranny and championing the human mind and spirit. After School Satan Club does not attempt to convert children to any religion. Instead, The Satanic Temple supports children to think for themselves.</blockquote>
<div class="image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-655827" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/image-2-461x576.png" alt="" width="461" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/image-2-461x576.png 461w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/image-2-240x300.png 240w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/11/image-2.png 540w" sizes="(max-width: 461px) 100vw, 461px" /></div>
Sounds like the sort of nonsense we should expect from the father of lies. A little more digging around, however, reveals that a larger organization is behind the new club, <a href="https://thesatanictemple.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Satanic Temple</a>. And while the title of the organization is foreboding, it appears to be a group dedicated to promoting a leftist agenda — unique only in that it has adopted the prince of darkness as its mascot.
Those upset with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, for example, will be pleased to know that The Satanic Temple has <a href="https://thesatanictemple.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">petitioned</a> the state of Texas to allow their members to undergo voluntary abortions as part of a religious ritual. 
And since Justice Samuel Alito was the primary author of the Court’s majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, members can also send in donations to the Temple’s fundraiser for the “Samuel Alito’s Mom’s Abortion Clinic.” How nice.
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In addition to shilling for Big Abortion, The Satanic Temple is also dedicated to going after those children who&#8217;ve escaped the womb and actually succeeded in being born. They do it by targeting those schools that allow Bible study groups to meet after school.
Wherever there&#8217;s a Bible study club on school grounds, they want a Satan club.
“The After School Satan Club does not believe in introducing religion into public schools and will only open a club if other religious groups are operating on campus,” the group <a href="https://thesatanictemple.com/pages/after-school-satan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">explains</a>.
So far they’ve been successful in setting up after school clubs in rural elementary schools in <a href="https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/after-school-satan-club-to-hold-1st-meeting-at-chesapeake-primary-school/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virginia</a> and <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/3981851-federal-judge-rules-pennsylvania-school-district-must-allow-after-school-satan-club/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pennsylvania</a>. The one in Virginia was even <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/virginia-democrat-pushed-after-school-satan-club-and-has-a-fixation-on-the-demonic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">promoted by a Democrat</a> candidate for office, The Daily Wire reported last month.
Like many other schools across the country, Lebanon’s elementary school recently authorized a “<a href="https://www.cefonline.com/ministries/goodnewsclub/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Good News Club</a>” to hold after school meetings. Good News Club, a ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship, is a weekly interdenominational Christian program for 5- to 12-year-old children featuring a Bible lesson, songs, memory verses, and games.
In 2001, the Supreme Court handed the organization a major victory, holding that the club was entitled to the same access as other groups to provide after-school programs promoting &#8220;moral and character development&#8221; to elementary school students in Milford, New York. In the <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/pdf/99-2036P.ZO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">words</a> of Justice Clarence Thomas: “When Milford denied the Good News Club access to the school’s limited public forum on the ground that the Club was religious in nature, it discriminated against the Club because of its religious viewpoint in violation of the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment.” 
 
Last weekend, the superintendent of Lebanon public schools wrote to parents explaining that “by opening its facilities to outside groups offering non-curricular activities, the District legally must allow access by various groups without regard to their religious, political, or philosophical perspectives, as long as the organizations comply with the view-point neutral criteria set forth in Board policies.” 
 
But must it? 
 
The Lebanon School Board <a href="https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/494208/1007_-_Use_of_School_Facilities.pdf">policy</a>, consistent with Connecticut <a href="https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/2020/title-10/chapter-170/section-10-239/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">law</a>, permits “the use of any school facility for nonprofit educational or community purposes.” There is nothing “educational” about the Satanic Temple&#8217;s farce of an after school club. It is tailor-made to mock the principles of the First Amendment by targeting schools where religious clubs have been established. This is a strong reason to deny use of school facilities, but don’t bet on the school board doing so. They are certainly aware that when a school board in Pennsylvania denied the club access, they were hauled into court by the ACLU, the ACLU of Pennsylvania and Dechert LLP on behalf of the Temple.
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Of the 336 pre-K to 4th grade students attending Lebanon Elementary School, the parents of <a href="https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/after-school-satan-club-lebanon-ct-18483405.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nine</a> children have given them permission to join the after school club for its inaugural meeting on December 1. That&#8217;s a very small proportion, but let&#8217;s be clear about what is happening here.
Those nine children face the prospect of indoctrination by pro-abortion, gender ideology fanatics who, despite their invocation of the ultimate symbol of evil, enjoy the support of powerful lobbyists friendly with the current administration. Which is headed by someone who tells us he is a devout Catholic. The Satanic Temple may not be Devil-worshipers, but make no mistake about it: their beliefs, which on key issues align closely with those of progressives claiming to be Christians, are truly diabolical.
Andrea Picciotti-Bayer is director of the <a href="https://conscience-project.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Conscience Project.</a>
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

Empty Black Board in Classroom

Why School Boards Should Reject ‘Satan Clubs’ In Elementary Schools

Connecticut

Education

Readers Pass

School Boards

Schools

The Satanic Temple lost its lawsuit against Indiana&#8217;s abortion ban on Wednesday when a federal judge threw out the suit.
In her decision, Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson pointed out that the Satanic Temple does not run any abortion clinics in Indiana and failed to disclose any specific Satanic Temple members who are being affected by the ban.
“In sum, the Satanic Temple’s allegations fail to prove it has suffered any injury in fact,” the judge <a href="https://fox59.com/indiana-news/judge-dismisses-satanic-temple-lawsuit-that-challenged-indiana-abortion-ban/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a>.
The Satanic Temple sued in September 2022, alleging the abortion ban violates their members&#8217; religious rights and is unconstitutional. Indiana&#8217;s abortion ban prohibits abortion at any point of pregnancy except when the woman&#8217;s life or health is seriously at risk, in cases of rape or incest, or when there is a &#8220;lethal fetal abnormality.&#8221;
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita <a href="https://www.indystar.com/story/news/health/2023/10/26/satanic-temple-loses-lawsuit-against-indianas-abortion-restrictions/71326591007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">called</a> the lawsuit &#8220;ridiculous&#8221; and said the win &#8220;sustains a pro-life law that is constitutionally and legally sound&#8221; in a statement Thursday.
“We Hoosiers continue to build a solid culture of life whether satanic cultists like it or not,&#8221; Rokita said.
Pro-life advocates quickly praised the decision as well.
&#8220;BIG win for LIFE! If your &#8216;religion&#8217; involves killing babies, you should find another religion,&#8221; <a href="https://twitter.com/KristanHawkins/status/1717647160211353623" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted</a> Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America.
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The Satanic Temple&#8217;s attorney said he was disappointed in the decision. It is not clear whether the group will appeal.
“It takes a desperate and irresponsible judge to refuse to hear our case because of a baffling refusal to accept that any of our membership in Indiana may get pregnant in the future,” said Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple.
The Satanic Temple <a href="https://www.indystar.com/story/news/health/2023/10/26/satanic-temple-loses-lawsuit-against-indianas-abortion-restrictions/71326591007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has</a> about 11,300 members in Indiana. Despite its name, members of The Satanic Temple do not actually believe in Satan — rather it is an atheist group that seeks to subvert Christianity’s role in American life. The group believes that “one’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone,” which includes a belief in abortion.
The Satanic Temple does not run any abortion clinics in Indiana, but it did <a href="https://thesatanictemple.com/pages/samuel-alitos-moms-satanic-abortion-clinic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launch</a> a telehealth clinic out of New Mexico last year called &#8220;Samuel Alito&#8217;s Mom&#8217;s Satanic Abortion Clinic,&#8221; a reference to the conservative Supreme Court justice.
The telehealth abortion clinic says it provides abortion medication through the mail to Satanic Temple members in New Mexico.
Last year, The Satanic Temple <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/fourth-grade-teacher-owned-satanic-temple-in-indiana" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sponsored</a> “After School Satan” clubs, saying the clubs were a response to the Christian Good News Clubs at public schools across the country.

Satanic Temple Loses Lawsuit Against Indiana Abortion Ban

Abortion

Indiana

Pro-Life Movement

Social Issues

The leader of The Satanic Temple (TST) saw his own followers turn on him after he posted a picture with an atheist who criticized &#8220;crazy woke&#8221; LGBT activism.
Lucien Greaves, co-founder of The Satanic Temple, posed for a photo with atheist activist David Silverman, who <a href="https://twitter.com/MrAtheistPants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">describes</a> himself as &#8220;ex-Left&#8221; and &#8220;ex-woke, but still left of center.&#8221;
&#8220;Thanks to my friend @LucienGreaves for a great tour for me and [another person] at @satanic_temple_! Great to see you again and thanks as always for your activism!&#8221; Silverman wrote in a June 5 post on X.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Thanks to my friend <a href="https://twitter.com/LucienGreaves?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LucienGreaves</a> for a great tour for me and Kris <a href="https://twitter.com/CShellska?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CShellska</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/satanic_temple_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@satanic_temple_</a> ! Great to see you again and thanks as always for your activism! <a href="https://t.co/uCYDI6cUEl">pic.twitter.com/uCYDI6cUEl</a>
&mdash; David Silverman (@MrAtheistPants) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrAtheistPants/status/1665739422791237632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Silverman frequently posts about his skepticism of transgender ideology, sometimes <a href="https://twitter.com/againstgrmrs/status/1708954968546283866" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retweeting</a> posts criticizing transitioning children.
In June, he <a href="https://twitter.com/MrAtheistPants/status/1666805214161289218" target="_blank" rel="noopener">argued</a> that it is not &#8220;anti trans&#8221; to say, &#8220;stay out of women&#8217;s showers and don&#8217;t groom kids.&#8221;
The photo of Silverman with Greaves drew instant backlash.
“People immediately hated on me, but they had no idea why,” Silverman <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20231003214145/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/social-justice-rebellion-satanic-temple/675481/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> The Atlantic. “They just knew I was an outsider and therefore a hateful, anti-trans, evil person, and Lucien was guilty for knowing me.”
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Some Satanists called for Greaves to apologize, give up power, and state his support for transgender rights, The Atlantic <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20231003214145/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/social-justice-rebellion-satanic-temple/675481/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
Several factions of the Satanic Temple expressed their strong disapproval. All 41 members of the Satanic Temple in Britain voted to leave, rebranding themselves as Satanists in the Wilderness, the outlet reported.
The U.S. Satanic Temple’s Sober Faction, which says it <a href="https://thesatanictemple.com/pages/sober-faction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">runs</a> sobriety programs &#8220;free from the pseudoscience and superstitious dogma&#8221; of mainstream programs, reportedly <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20231003214145/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/social-justice-rebellion-satanic-temple/675481/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">disapproved</a> of the photo as well, eventually splitting off and denouncing “TST and the patriarchal, white supreme [sic] structure of its leadership.”
The controversy played out on social media as well.
&#8220;Satanic Temple founder Lucien Greaves poses with transphobe. This is a perfect example of what TST really is,&#8221; <a href="https://twitter.com/BaphoNetNews/status/1666216696586067969" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted</a> one X user who says one of his interests is &#8220;satanism.&#8221;
Greaves himself put out a statement dismissing the concerns as a &#8220;non-story.&#8221;
&#8220;I have no desire to dignify assumptions that claim I agree with individuals simply because I have interacted with them,&#8221; Greaves said in his statement, which he <a href="https://twitter.com/LucienGreaves/status/1666566543642075137" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted</a> to X. &#8220;The focus must be on the work we are doing within TST to support our members, not a photo with someone whose opinions I did not vet prior to agreeing to take it.&#8221;
&#8220;I thought this went without saying, but I disagree with Tucker Carlson&#8217;s worldview, for the record,&#8221; the Satanic Temple leader said.
Silverman dismissed the criticism as well at the time, <a href="https://twitter.com/MrAtheistPants/status/1666437797673320448" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying</a> he disagrees with &#8220;crazy woke s***.&#8221;
&#8220;Lol. I&#8217;ve been a civil rights activist in support of trans people for 25 years, since before anyone was looking,&#8221; Silverman posted on X. &#8220;I also love my trans kid unconditionally. But sure. I disagree with some of the more crazy woke shit so I&#8217;m in the same category as those who throw trans kids out.&#8221;
Despite its name, members of The Satanic Temple do not actually believe in Satan — rather it is an atheist group that seeks to subvert Christianity&#8217;s role in American life.
Last year, The Satanic Temple <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/fourth-grade-teacher-owned-satanic-temple-in-indiana" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sponsored</a> “After School Satan” clubs, saying the clubs were a response to the Christian Good News Clubs at public schools across the country.

After School Satan

Satanists Turn On Leader Over Transgenderism After He Takes Photo With ‘Ex-Woke’ Atheist

Satanists Turn On Leader Over Transgenderism After He Takes Photo With 'Ex-Woke' Atheist

Atheism

Gender

Transgender

Woke Culture

Wokeness

The controversial designer who had his merchandise removed from <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/target">Target</a> following public backlash and <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/boycott">boycotts</a> spoke out on the incident, criticizing the retailer for its response.
Target had initially partnered with Erik Carnell of the U.K.-based brand Abprallen to create items for its 2023 Pride Collection. Carnell found himself at the center of a firestorm after critics of Target discovered the Abprallen Etsy shop, which offered merchandise featuring <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/satanic">occult images</a> and phrases such as “Satan Respects Pronouns” and “Trans Witches For Abortion.”
People were also upset that Target was selling “tuck-friendly” swimwear in stores. The retailer responded to the backlash by moving displays to the back in some instances and removing certain controversial items, including Carnell’s designs.
&#8220;It&#8217;s a very dangerous precedent to set, that if people just get riled up enough about the products that you&#8217;re selling, you can completely distance yourself from the LGBT community, when and if it&#8217;s convenient,&#8221; Carnell told Reuters.
&#8220;If you&#8217;re going to take a stance and say that you care about the LGBT community, you need to stand by that regardless,&#8221; he continued.
Carnell also said Target knew about the satanic imagery before extending a partnership offer, as The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/target-was-aware-of-satanic-imagery-before-pride-collection-deal-controversial-artist-claims">reported</a>. 
“When I was approached to create products for Target they told me that my work such as ‘Satan Respects Pronouns’ wouldn’t be a good fit,” Carnell said. “They were observant enough and had the necessary critical thinking skills to realize that my use of occult imagery is as harmless as any horror movie targeted towards adults but wanted my collection for adults to be a bit less gothic.”
Carnell explained one of his designs by saying he doesn’t actually believe in Satan.
“One of my favourite and most popular designs, and the one that gave Abprallen its proper footing and direction. Coming up with this phrase really helped make Abprallen what it is today,” he <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqWFoTmjbXA/">captioned</a> the image of a “Satan respects pronouns” item.
“Satan loves you and respects who you are; you’re important and valuable in this world and you deserve to treat yourself with love and respect. LGBT+ people are so often referred to as being a product of Satan or going against God’s will, so fine. We’ll hang with Satan instead.”
“Satanists don’t actually believe in Satan, he is merely used as a symbol of passion, pride, and liberty. He means to you what you need him to mean. So for me, Satan is hope, compassion, equality, and love,” the post continued.
“So, naturally, Satan respects pronouns. He loves all LGBT+ people. I went with a variation of Baphomet for this design, a deity who themself is a mixture of genders, beings, ideas, and existences. They reject binary stereotypes and expectations. Perfect.”

Target

‘Satan Respects Pronouns’ Designer Says Target Set ‘Dangerous Precedent’ Removing His Products

'Satan Respects Pronouns' Designer Says Target Set 'Dangerous Precedent' Removing His Products

boycott

Erik Carnell, the self-identified <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/transgender" target="_blank" rel="noopener">transgender</a> artist who runs the company Abprallen and was hired by <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/target" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Target</a> to make designs for a “Pride Month” collection, asserted that the retail behemoth was aware of the designer’s <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/satanic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Satanic</a> imagery before the deal was official.
Conservatives launched a boycott effort against Target after the retail behemoth <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/target-faces-backlash-over-pride-collection-designer-behind-satan-respects-pronouns-shirts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hired</a> Carnell to make various designs for the company. Carnell said earlier this week in a series of Instagram stories reviewed by The Daily Wire that Target knew about the controversial designs, which included a shirt with the phrase “Satan Respects Pronouns” and an image of a skeleton draped in rainbow colors that said “Trans Witches For Abortion,” but declined to sell them.
“When I was approached to create products for Target they told me that my work such as ‘Satan Respects Pronouns’ wouldn’t be a good fit,” Carnell said in the stories, which are automatically removed by the platform after one day. “They were observant enough and had the necessary critical thinking skills to realize that my use of occult imagery is as harmless as any horror movie targeted towards adults but wanted my collection for adults to be a bit less gothic.”
Target, which has suffered on the stock market in the days since a conservative activist uncovered the Satanic imagery sold by Carnell, solicited three designs from Abprallen: a mini messenger bag with the slogan “We Belong Everywhere,” a tote bag with the phrase “Too Queer For Here,” and a sweatshirt emblazoned with “Cure Transphobia, Not Trans People.”
Carnell meanwhile asserted that the “religious right” manipulated the narrative such that the public now believes the Satanic designs were meant for children. “Trans people do not want to make your cis children trans, we want your trans children to survive,” the artist contended.
The artist said in another <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CstpaKiNEjd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> on Friday that the “religious right” levied “false accusations” that she is a Satanist. The stories on Instagram affirmed that Carnell thinks that “Satan, pentagrams, skulls, ghosts, and the occult are cool and interesting.”
“It is unfortunate that the religious right have as much power as they do, but it will not last,” Carnell added. The designer encouraged activists to devote their energies toward bars, clubs, queer cafes, and “your school’s GSA,” a reference to the Gay-Straight Alliance clubs present in many schools: “This is a far, far better use of your time and energy than directing it towards retail conglomerates.”
The controversial move to hire Abprallen for the designs came one year after Target boasted in a corporate sustainability <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/target-had-a-special-push-to-hire-lgbtq-designers-for-pride-collection-ahead-of-backlash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> that the company would source 59% of items for “Pride Month” from “LGBTQIA+ creators and brands.” Target has worked to strengthen ties with the National Minority Supplier Development Council and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
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Target also generated backlash for the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/target-slammed-after-offering-female-swimsuits-that-have-extra-crotch-coverage-are-tuck-friendly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">promotion</a> of a female swimsuit marketed as “tuck-friendly” and with “extra crotch coverage,” permitting men who identify as women to wear the item. The firm’s market capitalization, which refers to the total value of a publicly traded company’s outstanding shares, has <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/targets-stock-market-value-takes-6-billion-hit-since-backlash-over-pride-collection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fallen</a> from $70.4 billion to $64.2 billion over the past week as consumers react strongly to the various controversies.

Satan

Target Was Aware Of Satanic Imagery Before ‘Pride’ Collection Deal, Controversial Artist Claims

Target Was Aware Of Satanic Imagery Before ‘Pride’ Collection Deal, Artist Claims

LGBTQ

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