ACLU of Iowa and Satanic Temple sue over denied holiday event in Capitol rotunda

The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa has joined the Satanic Temple in a federal suit seeking to stop state officials from infringing on the group’s free-speech, religious-exercise and nondiscrimination rights. Plaintiffs allege that Department of Administrative Services Director Mark Campbell and forum director Adam Steen denied the temple permission to host a family-friendly holiday program in the Capitol rotunda, despite allowing similar events for other faiths and civic organizations.

The proposed gathering would include singing, crafts and a Krampus costume contest, a tradition linked to Central European folklore. According to the temple’s general counsel, Matt Kezhaya, officials objected to the costume element, mistakenly claiming the event could involve children being struck with sticks. The dispute revives tensions from a 2023 episode when a Baphomet display in the Iowa Statehouse was vandalized by Navy veteran Michael Cassidy, who was subsequently charged with a hate crime. The ACLU’s filing seeks an injunction to prevent further alleged constitutional violations.