Federal Judge Orders Iowa to Allow Satanic Temple Holiday Event

Chief Judge Stephanie M. Rose of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, issued a preliminary injunction requiring Mark Campbell, director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, to approve The Satanic Temple of Iowa's March 2026 application for a Dec. 12 holiday event in the Capitol rotunda within seven days. The ACLU of Iowa filed suit in August after denials in 2024, 2025 and 2026; the state had permitted a 2023 Baphomet display later vandalized by a man who drove from Mississippi. Rose found the group likely to succeed on its free-speech claim. Shefali Aurora of the ACLU said state officials made clear they denied permission because they disagreed with the Temple's religious viewpoint and that the government cannot favor one religion over another. Former director Adam Steen publicly announced, "No more marketing to children" and "No more trying to get them to create Satanic symbols, sing Satanic hymns, partake in Satanic rituals." The state cited Krampus costume sticks that could be used as weapons against children; Rose said that concern did not justify excluding the whole event and that standard security conditions may apply. She noted Campbell gave conflicting testimony on his 2026 rationale. Rita Bettis Austen said the order would course-correct so the group can use the space like everyone else. The state plans to appeal. Claims over past denials and damages continue.