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Surprising Tactic In The Fight To Preserve Abortion Rights In The U.S. Comes From None Other Than The Satanic Temple, Which Upholds Religious Abortion Rituals
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Surprising Tactic In The Fight To Preserve Abortion Rights In The U.S. Comes From None Other Than The Satanic Temple, Which Upholds Religious Abortion Rituals

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“One’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone.” You would hope that this was a universally accepted and acted-upon law. However, this is very much not the case as we see the aftermath of the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Reversed after nearly 50 years, it made abortions no longer protected at federal level, instead allowing individual states to decide whether the medical procedure is legal within their state boundaries.

Thirteen states have passed so-called “trigger laws” that will ban abortion within 30 days. But one religious group which follows the previously-stated principle is standing up to this ruling because “terminating a pregnancy is a central part of a religious ritual that encourages self empowerment and affirms bodily autonomy.” That religious group is none other than The Satanic Temple (TST)Bored Panda got in touch with Malcolm Jarry, one of the cofounders of TST, to get a more detailed overview of the situation and mission at hand. With lots of lore, rumors, and prejudice surrounding the group, let’s try and peel back the layers of a very complex, yet intriguing, onion.

More info: The Satanic Temple – Statement | Facebook

The Satanic Temple (TST), a religious group, is taking a stance in securing abortion rights for their members, which will see a filing of multiple lawsuits

Image credits: The Satanic Temple

If you grew up in a Christian household, were taught in a Christian school, or have attended a Church service at least once in your life, you’ll know that the opposite of Heaven – the glorious place of eternal life and goodness – is Hell. Festering with demons and evil, the worst of the worst end up there to burn for the rest of eternity. Or those that have tattoos, but I digress…

It seems there’s more than meets the eye, as The Satanic Temple is once again at the forefront of fighting for human rights in the United States. Started in 2013 and recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt church in 2019, the group has launched multiple actions and lawsuits related to the separation of church and state.

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Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, wreaking havoc on millions of people’s reproductive rights, the group released a statement claiming that “a religious exemption will be the only available challenge to many restrictions to [abortion] access.”

Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the group claim that “a religious exemption” will be the only challenge to abortion restrictions

Image credits: The Satanic Temple

“The news that Roe v Wade has been overturned is extremely distressing. The Satanic Temple (TST) has nevertheless positioned itself to try to protect religious abortion access for our members,” the public release read. At the moment, the religious group is said to have over 700,000 registered members.

Ministers for The Satanic Temple created an “abortion ritual,” in which a woman affirms her own autonomy, obtains an abortion, and then concludes the ritual. The ritual is not intended to convince a person to have an abortion, but instead to instill confidence when undergoing a safe and scientific procedure.

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Since abortion is central to a religious ritual, TST argues that subjecting a woman to a waiting period is the same as the government interfering with a baptism or communion. They note that the Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed religious rights, such as taxpayers having to fund religious schools in Maine on the basis of religious freedom.

Image credits: Emma Guliani (not the actual photo)

“The Satanic Temple is currently suing the state of Texas to protect our civil rights,” the post said. “We have requested alternative science-based abortion counseling in Minnesota. We will also be suing the FDA for unrestricted religious access to Mifepristone and Misoprostol.”

The latter are drugs commonly used to induce abortion, however, at the moment, these drugs are only available with a doctor’s prescription, and the doctor must adhere to any state restrictions before providing them.

According to PolitiFact, opponents of the group have argued that abortion is a medical procedure, not a protected religious practice. But The Satanic Temple’s lawyer, Matthew Kezhaya, argued that abortion can be both secular and religious, depending on context. You can read about our current lawsuits here.

“One’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone” is one of the group’s seven Fundamental Tenets

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Image credits: Derek French (not the actual photo)

“The future is always dependent on people willing to stand up and fight to protect their rights,” said Malcolm Jarry. “There are many good people who want to defend their rights but they don’t know what to do or they are led astray by bad actors with ill-conceived self-indulgent agendas.”

“For instance, there had been a groundswell of public support to engage in instigating police reform. The approach did not have to be antagonistic, but rather a process by which people, who are employed to keep the peace and the system in which they operate, become dramatically better at meeting the needs of their communities. Instead, a movement to eliminate the police dominated the discourse and undermined the implementation of needed reforms.”

“That whole discussion has ended and the revolutionary impulses that drove that movement have dissipated. The opportunity for change was squandered multiple times and now people are afraid to go there. That is unfortunate. Developments such as that make us a bit cynical about the future, but if we were not hopeful, we would not be taking on the challenges we engage in.”

The group also has a list of things to consider for an effective protest. “People must [protest] in a manner that is constructive and not a narcissistic exercise, where the struggle is about the protester as opposed to the objective,” Malcolm explained.

TST upholds an “Abortion Ritual,” which means “terminating a pregnancy is a central part of a religious ritual that affirms bodily autonomy”

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Image credits: The Satanic Temple

Image credits: thesatanictemple

Malcolm explained that “if TST wins, then we will have secured access to abortion for our members without any unnecessary interference from the state. That means no waiting periods. No narrated ultrasounds. No forced counseling.”

“The long-term outcome would be the recognition that religious liberty can be used to advance civil rights as opposed to being an expression of perverse moral righteousness utilized to deprive others of their rights.”

However, “if TST loses, it would be a consequence of one of two things. Because the law is so clearly on our side, either the ruling would diminish religious liberty in a way that impacts all religious organizations and thereby overturns many SCOTUS rulings, or the ruling would be biased and unjust in which case we would find the opportunity to file new lawsuits until we find a judge who has the integrity to apply the law when writing their decision.”

In addition to legal efforts, Malcolm believes that the two focus points should be the change to legislature and the cultural beliefs surrounding abortion as a whole. “Legislators need to be lobbied to pass bills that ensure abortion access,” he said. “On the cultural side, the narrative that a fertilized egg is a human being must be challenged.”

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“The soundbite that ‘life begins at conception’ has been interpreted and accepted by many as meaning that a fetus at any stage of development has personhood. That deceptive language turned a fringe group of radicals into a mainstream movement. A scientifically accurate soundbite needs to be invoked that undermines this dishonest claim and instigates rational discourse.”

The Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed religious rights, such as taxpayers having to fund religious schools in Maine on the basis of religious freedom

Image credits: Marc Nozell

“I think many people have preconceptions about The Satanic Temple and do not bother checking to see if their assumptions are valid,” Malcolm said. “There are bad actors spreading lies about the organization fueling misunderstandings. We are working to inform people about the things that we do.”

One element that needs to be addressed is the fact that The Satanic Temple does not worship or believe in Satan, yet they acknowledge Satan as a powerful symbol of rebellion.

Its members believe that “religion can, and should, be divorced from superstition,” with their main mission being to “encourage benevolence and empathy, reject tyrannical authority, advocate practical common sense, oppose injustice, and undertake noble pursuits.”

Two of the Temple’s seven tenets read, “One’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone” and “Beliefs should conform to one’s best scientific understanding of the world. One should take care never to distort scientific facts to fit one’s beliefs.”

Often TST is confused with an earlier organization, the Church of Satan. They joke on their website that if you want to sell your soul, get rich or join the Illuminati, then you should look elsewhere.

Image credits: The Satanic Temple

“Most people know of the organization for its efforts to fight the privileging of any one religion over others by the state,” Malcolm explained, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. Alongside offering to place a statue of Baphomet next to a State-erected 10 Commandments statue and “requesting the opportunity to deliver an invocation at public forums where other religious invocations are recited,” they’re working to assist the people most in need of help.

“We have services that we provide to assist with addiction recovery. We fight for the rights of students in public school not to be subjected to solitary confinement, corporal punishment, and restraints. We have after-school programs which promote self-directed education. We do good works such as charitable drives that provide resources to women’s shelters, the homeless, and animal shelters.”

A previously held fundraiser, called the “On the Offensive Fundraiser,” which aimed to grant TST members the tools to receive medically-safe abortions and protect reproductive rights raised $150,000.

Malcolm hopes that “as word gets out, people will better understand the organization and judge us by things we say and do and laugh at the people who misrepresent us.”

TST is not alone. One synagogue filed a lawsuit against the state of Florida as, under Jewish law, an abortion “is required if necessary”

Image credits: The Satanic Temple of Salem

Some Jewish communities have also stood up to the abortion bans throughout the US, as it violates their beliefs.

MSNBC spoke with Rabbi Samantha Frank, a rabbinic fellow at Temple Micah in Washington, D.C., who explained that in Judaism, reproductive justice goes back to the Torah (the Hebrew Bible), in which a differentiation is made between the life of a fetus and the life of a pregnant person: “The fetus is regarded as potential life, rather than actual life.”

According to Pew Research, 33 percent of American evangelicals believe that abortion should be legal in all or most cases, compared with 82 percent of Buddhists and 83 percent of Jews. A South Florida congregation said that under Jewish law, an abortion “is required if necessary to protect the health, mental or physical well-being” of a pregnant woman.

Image credits: The Satanic Temple

The synagogue filed a lawsuit against the state of Florida on June 10 after a bill was passed to lower the maximum threshold for abortions from 24 weeks down to 15 weeks.

They argued that the Jewish faith holds the right to an abortion to be inviolable: “If a fetus poses a threat to the health or emotional well-being of its mother, at any stage of gestation up until birth, Jewish law not only entitles but requires the mother to abort the pregnancy and protect herself.”

It remains to be seen whether TST will win the lawsuits but it is clear that the retaliation against the overturn of Roe v. Wade is just beginning

Image credits: Emma Guliani (not the actual photo)

It is only the beginning of retaliation against the overturning of Roe v. Wade. If you or someone you know are in need of resources, Planned Parenthood has a list of clinics and are ready to advise. Abortion Finder details the laws per state if you’re interested to learn more.

Constitutional law professor Jay Wexler has encouraged the work of groups like TST, stating, “Only by insisting on exercising these rights can Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists and everybody else ensure that the Court’s new religious jurisprudence does not result in a public space occupied exclusively by Christian messages and symbols. At stake is nothing less than our national public life.”

People have shared their thoughts on the matter, supporting TST’s stance. Let us know your thoughts in the comments

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jaynekyra avatar
Jayne Kyra
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If having an abortion goes against your beliefs, whatever they are, then don´t have one. But they will NOT dictate how others should live their life and what they should do with their bodies.

suzannetilson avatar
snowfoxrox avatar
Snowfoxrox
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm straight up stealing this from Thomas Holick because he wrote it best: The Satanic temple was established to fight for the separation of the church and the state in the U.S. by pointing out how absurd the relationship between the state and churches is. If you read up on the principles, they are essentially humanist and very agreeable. I think they chose the figure of Satan or Baphomet because it is just as random as any biblical (or other religious) figure. The Satanic church is, in my opinion, basically anti-religious (and I mean that as a good thing).

Load More Replies...
westhermans avatar
West Hermans
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's cute, but have you heard about Rabbi Barry Silver of Congregation L’Dor Va-Dor in Palm Beach? Rabbi Silver, a former Democratic member of the Florida House and a civil rights lawyer, said Tuesday that he has heard from Jewish leaders across the country who are interested in filing lawsuits against anti-abortion measures in their states. He hopes he can start a trend.

pauldavis_2 avatar
Paul Davis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I expect after the Republican Taliban destroys the American voting system one of the first things they'll try to do is define what religions are allowed and which aren't...which will get narrower and narrower over time until it's only the most vicious Christian sect that's allowed to be worshipped.

jenniferdmann avatar
Alecto76
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since I became aware of the organization, I have admired their efforts to enforce the separation of church and state, and therefore our freedom of religion (or lack of one). Following the reversal of Roe, I immediately became a member.

roxy_eastland avatar
Roxy Eastland
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Up until the middle of the 19th century birth control, abortion, etc was considered as icky and irrelevant to religion as menstrual protection, i.e. 'women's problems' and the church had nothing to say about it.

dld57 avatar
KiT
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For once, I agree with the devil. Being forced to carry through an unwanted pregnancy seems rather demonic in its oppression.

kathrynbaylis_1 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This could be useful, if a pregnant woman can join the TST, go to get an abortion, and use that religious exemption and actually get it. TST needs to start advertising for members on websites that all different age groups look at, and make becoming a card-carrying member dead easy. It won’t have to be permanent. Peolle change religions all the time. I would just love to see all the heads of those old men and their brainwashed traitor to their gender women just explode, loudly and in public. They will be twisting themselves into knots trying to reverse one of their own weapons that’s been used against businesses, because it’s being turned onto themselves!

scottdixon avatar
Scott Dixon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a time to be alive, when satanism makes far more sense than Christianity. Love it :D

snowfoxrox avatar
Snowfoxrox
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Satanism has always made more sense to me than Christianity. (I'm not referring to Devil Worshipping) Christianity purposefully perverted many pagan holidays in an attempt to make conversion easier on conquered peoples. Satanism has always taught to be true to yourself first. I've met a few and they have been kinder, more honest/ real people than pretty much all of the Christians I know.

Load More Replies...
isaacharvey81 avatar
Isaac Harvey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never thought I'd say this, but.... Satan is modern America's savior!

mr-garyscott avatar
El Dee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They won't win but their points SHOULD be aired. They are as valid as any other religions claims to religious exemptions and someone needs to say why they CAN'T do this. Overturning Roe Vs Wade should be made as hard as possible..

vholeek avatar
V Holeček
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They can't do it because claiming a religious exemption is not as simple as just making something up, saying its your religion, and claiming it. You have to prove to a court that you're not just making something up to get around a law you don't like, and that's a higher bar than the Satanic Temple has demonstrated the competence to prove.

Load More Replies...
tanyalmacleod avatar
T Lee Mac
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m a member. Here are their tenets. Seven Fundamental Tenets IV VI VIl One should strive to act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures in accordance with reason. The struggle for justice is an ongoing and necessary pursuit that should prevail over laws and institutions. One's body is inviolable, subject to one's own will alone. The freedoms of others should be respected, including the freedom to offend. To willfully and unjustly encroach upon the freedoms of another is to forgo one's own. Beliefs should conform to one's best scientific understanding of the world. One should take care never to distort scientific facts to fit one's beliefs. People are fallible. If one makes a mistake, one should do one's best to rectify it and resolve any harm that might have been caused. Every tenet is a guiding principle designed to inspire nobility in action and thought. The spirit of compassion, wisdom, and justice should always prevail over the written or spoken word

gvd23 avatar
Glasia van Duivels
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me when the FC Satan is more thoughtfully than Christ Church, joke tone aside, I also think TSTis good bc what if a priest r🌍🍏🥜s you and makes you pregnant even if you do not want that but then the priest says you cant abort bc religion. Then my reply to that is: you did unreligious thing to me: you did r🛸🐇e me to get your dumb religious thing thru!!!! Personally I am both for demons and for angels but I am against those crazy priests.

martingibbs734 avatar
martin734
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whilst I applaud what TST are doing, I absolutely abhor the very notion of religious exemption from any law or regulation. Belief in any religion is a choice and I find it completely absurd as well as totally unethical that people can be exempt from some laws or given special treatment simply because they choose to follow a religion. Religion should have absolutely no place in the making of laws and laws should be applied to everyone equally regardless of religious beliefs or the lack of belief. I have no problem with people choosing to follow a religion as long as they accept that their choice to follow one is no more or less valid than my choice not to follow one and that their choice of belief should not impact or restrict any aspect of my life in any way. Do not impose your religion, beliefs, ethics or morality on anyone else.

hydeandseek avatar
Hyde and Seek
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I do not simply because I figure it is an integral part of religious freedom. A teacher I had said it best:religion should play a part in law making,it should not control it. For example:in multiple areas ,the Amish are given exemptions from higher levels of schooling. This is an admittedly more extreme example ;but it is the one I hear most frequently. However there should be guidelines for religious impacts on laws. Overall it shouldn't impose but it should support the freedom of religion.

Load More Replies...
noneanon avatar
Random Anon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha this is great. Go ye forth and smite thy enemy with logic and common sense.

larisamigachyov avatar
Lara M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that a synagogue got involved in this, but on the other hand, I'm terrified of the upsurge in antisemitism that will inevitably result.

debandtoby54 avatar
Deborah Rubin
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was very young, so many years ago, I had who said she'd never have an abortion but would fight for my right to have one. We shouldn't have to fight. Judaism has it right. Woman's body is her own.

queenofthecastle82 avatar
Queenie-Poo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Holy H**l, this is gonna go over well. I can't wait to see it.

vholeek avatar
V Holeček
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too bad they've literally never secured abortion access for anyone. Meanwhile, the ACLU has successfully pushed back on abortion bans in five states. If only journalists would cover the actual success rate of the Satanic Temple instead of clickbait headlines, because the Satanic Temple is great and announcing and declaring, but their follow through is basically non-existent.

skidog911 avatar
Kusotare
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would you folks please consider praying after high school football games?

nonawolf avatar
Nona Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

When Satan Worshippers support your cause - it's time to reevaluate your position.

gargarita-mica-08 avatar
Boreddd🇺🇦
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When God's worshippers start controling your body, it's time to rethink what you're doing

Load More Replies...
jaynekyra avatar
Jayne Kyra
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If having an abortion goes against your beliefs, whatever they are, then don´t have one. But they will NOT dictate how others should live their life and what they should do with their bodies.

suzannetilson avatar
snowfoxrox avatar
Snowfoxrox
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm straight up stealing this from Thomas Holick because he wrote it best: The Satanic temple was established to fight for the separation of the church and the state in the U.S. by pointing out how absurd the relationship between the state and churches is. If you read up on the principles, they are essentially humanist and very agreeable. I think they chose the figure of Satan or Baphomet because it is just as random as any biblical (or other religious) figure. The Satanic church is, in my opinion, basically anti-religious (and I mean that as a good thing).

Load More Replies...
westhermans avatar
West Hermans
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's cute, but have you heard about Rabbi Barry Silver of Congregation L’Dor Va-Dor in Palm Beach? Rabbi Silver, a former Democratic member of the Florida House and a civil rights lawyer, said Tuesday that he has heard from Jewish leaders across the country who are interested in filing lawsuits against anti-abortion measures in their states. He hopes he can start a trend.

pauldavis_2 avatar
Paul Davis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I expect after the Republican Taliban destroys the American voting system one of the first things they'll try to do is define what religions are allowed and which aren't...which will get narrower and narrower over time until it's only the most vicious Christian sect that's allowed to be worshipped.

jenniferdmann avatar
Alecto76
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since I became aware of the organization, I have admired their efforts to enforce the separation of church and state, and therefore our freedom of religion (or lack of one). Following the reversal of Roe, I immediately became a member.

roxy_eastland avatar
Roxy Eastland
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Up until the middle of the 19th century birth control, abortion, etc was considered as icky and irrelevant to religion as menstrual protection, i.e. 'women's problems' and the church had nothing to say about it.

dld57 avatar
KiT
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For once, I agree with the devil. Being forced to carry through an unwanted pregnancy seems rather demonic in its oppression.

kathrynbaylis_1 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This could be useful, if a pregnant woman can join the TST, go to get an abortion, and use that religious exemption and actually get it. TST needs to start advertising for members on websites that all different age groups look at, and make becoming a card-carrying member dead easy. It won’t have to be permanent. Peolle change religions all the time. I would just love to see all the heads of those old men and their brainwashed traitor to their gender women just explode, loudly and in public. They will be twisting themselves into knots trying to reverse one of their own weapons that’s been used against businesses, because it’s being turned onto themselves!

scottdixon avatar
Scott Dixon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a time to be alive, when satanism makes far more sense than Christianity. Love it :D

snowfoxrox avatar
Snowfoxrox
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Satanism has always made more sense to me than Christianity. (I'm not referring to Devil Worshipping) Christianity purposefully perverted many pagan holidays in an attempt to make conversion easier on conquered peoples. Satanism has always taught to be true to yourself first. I've met a few and they have been kinder, more honest/ real people than pretty much all of the Christians I know.

Load More Replies...
isaacharvey81 avatar
Isaac Harvey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never thought I'd say this, but.... Satan is modern America's savior!

mr-garyscott avatar
El Dee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They won't win but their points SHOULD be aired. They are as valid as any other religions claims to religious exemptions and someone needs to say why they CAN'T do this. Overturning Roe Vs Wade should be made as hard as possible..

vholeek avatar
V Holeček
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They can't do it because claiming a religious exemption is not as simple as just making something up, saying its your religion, and claiming it. You have to prove to a court that you're not just making something up to get around a law you don't like, and that's a higher bar than the Satanic Temple has demonstrated the competence to prove.

Load More Replies...
tanyalmacleod avatar
T Lee Mac
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m a member. Here are their tenets. Seven Fundamental Tenets IV VI VIl One should strive to act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures in accordance with reason. The struggle for justice is an ongoing and necessary pursuit that should prevail over laws and institutions. One's body is inviolable, subject to one's own will alone. The freedoms of others should be respected, including the freedom to offend. To willfully and unjustly encroach upon the freedoms of another is to forgo one's own. Beliefs should conform to one's best scientific understanding of the world. One should take care never to distort scientific facts to fit one's beliefs. People are fallible. If one makes a mistake, one should do one's best to rectify it and resolve any harm that might have been caused. Every tenet is a guiding principle designed to inspire nobility in action and thought. The spirit of compassion, wisdom, and justice should always prevail over the written or spoken word

gvd23 avatar
Glasia van Duivels
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me when the FC Satan is more thoughtfully than Christ Church, joke tone aside, I also think TSTis good bc what if a priest r🌍🍏🥜s you and makes you pregnant even if you do not want that but then the priest says you cant abort bc religion. Then my reply to that is: you did unreligious thing to me: you did r🛸🐇e me to get your dumb religious thing thru!!!! Personally I am both for demons and for angels but I am against those crazy priests.

martingibbs734 avatar
martin734
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whilst I applaud what TST are doing, I absolutely abhor the very notion of religious exemption from any law or regulation. Belief in any religion is a choice and I find it completely absurd as well as totally unethical that people can be exempt from some laws or given special treatment simply because they choose to follow a religion. Religion should have absolutely no place in the making of laws and laws should be applied to everyone equally regardless of religious beliefs or the lack of belief. I have no problem with people choosing to follow a religion as long as they accept that their choice to follow one is no more or less valid than my choice not to follow one and that their choice of belief should not impact or restrict any aspect of my life in any way. Do not impose your religion, beliefs, ethics or morality on anyone else.

hydeandseek avatar
Hyde and Seek
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I do not simply because I figure it is an integral part of religious freedom. A teacher I had said it best:religion should play a part in law making,it should not control it. For example:in multiple areas ,the Amish are given exemptions from higher levels of schooling. This is an admittedly more extreme example ;but it is the one I hear most frequently. However there should be guidelines for religious impacts on laws. Overall it shouldn't impose but it should support the freedom of religion.

Load More Replies...
noneanon avatar
Random Anon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha this is great. Go ye forth and smite thy enemy with logic and common sense.

larisamigachyov avatar
Lara M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that a synagogue got involved in this, but on the other hand, I'm terrified of the upsurge in antisemitism that will inevitably result.

debandtoby54 avatar
Deborah Rubin
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was very young, so many years ago, I had who said she'd never have an abortion but would fight for my right to have one. We shouldn't have to fight. Judaism has it right. Woman's body is her own.

queenofthecastle82 avatar
Queenie-Poo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Holy H**l, this is gonna go over well. I can't wait to see it.

vholeek avatar
V Holeček
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too bad they've literally never secured abortion access for anyone. Meanwhile, the ACLU has successfully pushed back on abortion bans in five states. If only journalists would cover the actual success rate of the Satanic Temple instead of clickbait headlines, because the Satanic Temple is great and announcing and declaring, but their follow through is basically non-existent.

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Kusotare
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would you folks please consider praying after high school football games?

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Nona Wolf
Community Member
1 year ago

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When Satan Worshippers support your cause - it's time to reevaluate your position.

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Boreddd🇺🇦
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When God's worshippers start controling your body, it's time to rethink what you're doing

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