"Don't Discriminate Against Minority Religions"... US Satanism Sues Chicago City

City Council Religious Group Not Invited to Ceremony
“No Discrimination Due to Satanism” Claim

The atheistic religious organization based in the United States, The Satanic Temple (TST), has filed a lawsuit against the city of Chicago for discrimination against minority religions.

They claimed, "The city of Chicago does not give minority religions it dislikes the opportunity to deliver opening prayers at the city council," and argued that "this violates the freedom of religion guaranteed by the First Amendment."

On the 19th (local time), according to local media 'Block Club Chicago' and litigation-focused media 'Courthouse News Service,' TST recently submitted a complaint to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Chicago Federal Court).

The complaint names TST and TST minister Adam Barbic as plaintiffs, and the city of Chicago as the defendant. TST stated, "The city of Chicago excludes TST from the city council's religious group invitation ceremonies without clear reasons," and argued, "They should not block equal access simply because we are Satanists."

TST explained, "The Illinois chapter of TST first requested the city of Chicago in December 2019 for the opportunity to deliver an invocation at the city council, but despite over 50 local religious groups being invited since then, TST has been excluded."

[Image source=‘Satan-ui Seongjeon’ (The Satanic Temple) official website capture]

Barbic said, "The Chicago city authorities repeatedly responded only with 'Thank you for your interest. We are reviewing your request. We will contact you once a decision is made,'" and added, "They seemed to think we would give up if they kept ignoring our request. We had no choice but to file a lawsuit."

In response, city council member Daniel La Spata said, "We are trying to be inclusive, but it conflicts with my personal beliefs," and explained, "I could not invite Barbic because I knew he would end the prayer with 'Hail Satan.'"

However, Barbic countered in the complaint, "TST members do not worship Satan or any power," and stated, "Satan is a symbol of rejection of arbitrary authority."

He also argued, "TST is a federally recognized religion with followers across the United States. There are about 14,000 followers in Illinois alone," and insisted, "Like other religions, we should be given the opportunity to pray at the Chicago city council."

Block Club Chicago reported, "TST emphasizes that it is a moderate organization, but municipalities across the U.S. are reluctant to invite them to prayer meetings," and added, "Similar lawsuits are currently underway in Boston and Scottsdale, Arizona."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.