January 1, Satanic Club’s Fight for Free Speech Prevails

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY…
On May 12th, 1937, the coronation of King George VI… READ MORE ABOUT THIS HISTORIC DAY HERE

Folks, there’s a fine line between protecting free speech and maintaining safety and order. That line was tested recently in Hellertown, Pennsylvania, when a Satanic club at a middle school prompted outrage from parents and school officials alike. The school district, concerned for the safety of its students and staff, decided to ban the club from meeting on campus. However, a federal judge has now ruled that the club must be allowed to meet, emphasizing the importance of First Amendment protections.

The Satanic Temple, which applied to host the After School Satan Club at Saucon Valley Middle School, claims that it “is a religious organization that doesn’t worship Satan but views him as a metaphorical construct representing justice and egalitarianism”.

Despite initial approval, the club’s presence on campus quickly ignited a firestorm of controversy, leading to an anonymous threat to “shoot everybody” and causing the school to close temporarily. In response, the school district banned the club due to safety concerns and potential violations of district policy.

The Satanic Temple filed a complaint against the school district, arguing that their club was barred due to an “unconstitutional heckler’s veto” from community members.

The case ultimately reached the courtroom, where U.S. District Court Judge John Gallagher sided with the Satanic Temple, ruling that the club must be allowed to meet at the school.

Gallagher’s decision underscores the importance of free speech in our country, even when it comes to controversial or inconvenient content.

I find this “Satanic club” abhorrent. However, I value our constitution more than my own dislikes. As Americans, we must remember that our right to express ourselves, no matter how unpopular the views. It is a fundamental cornerstone of our republic. It’s easy to support free speech when we agree with the message, but it’s crucial to defend it even when we don’t. Our founding father’s knew the importance of this and so should we. If we take away this right even if it seems justified then when we need that right the most we won’t have it. This goes for all our rights, but especially the first 2.

While the Satanic club’s presence at the middle school may still upset some parents and community members, and myself: the ruling serves as an important reminder that the First Amendment must prevail. And while the judge did side with the school district on one matter – denying the temple’s request to require the district to distribute take-home permission slips – the overall outcome upholds the sanctity of free speech.

It’s essential that we remain vigilant in defending our constitutional rights, even in the face of controversy and fear.

After all, as Judge Gallagher wisely stated, “Nothing less is consistent with the expressed purpose of American government to secure the core, innate rights of its people.”

Boy, I never thought I’d see the day where I’d write an article like this. Remember folks- our principles must be applied even when they go against our own personal opinions. Is Satanism evil? Of course it is! It is horrific and abominable. I have nothing but contempt for it. But, I know darn well that if we take away the first amendment it will do far more harm than good. It’s a tough call, but in the end we must always stand up for the constitution and the bill of rights.

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