DES MOINES, Iowa —

The Iowa Department of Administrative Services has denied the Satanic Temple's latest request to hold a holiday event at the state capitol, a decision that follows a previous denial last year and subsequent lawsuit by the ACLU of Iowa.

The Satanic Temple gained attention when its holiday display in the rotunda was vandalized in 2023.

Former DAS director and current gubernatorial candidate Adam Steen spoke at the Capitol on Monday, praising the decision, saying, "No more marketing to children. No more trying to get them to create satanic symbols, sing satanic hymns, partake in satanic rituals. No more having youth involved in costume contests that depict weapons used to abuse youth. This is not religious expression. It's not free speech. It is evil."

The ACLU of Iowa

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