State Senator Jake Hoffman speaking with the media at a press conference for the Arizona Freedom Caucus at the Arizona Capitol building in Phoenix, Arizona. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere.
A bill that would ban satanic displays on public property in Arizona is dead—for now.
The Arizona Freedom Caucus, a group of Republican legislators, introduced the bill last month after a display made by The Satanic Temple was erected at the Iowa Capitol.
The bill raised legal questions, as The Satanic Temple is recognized by the federal government as an organized religion and therefore receives First Amendment protections.
The vaguely written bill also drew concerns that ASU mascot Sparky the Sun Devil could be considered a “satanic display” and banned. Jake Hoffman, leader of the caucus, amended the bill to say it would ban satanic displays from being “erected” on public property rather than just displayed.
Despite the amendment, two Republicans joined Democrats in voting the bill down on Thursday. Three senators did not vote. However, legislators have until Monday to reconsider their vote, meaning the bill could be revived next week.
Author
Support Our Cause
Thank you for taking the time to read our work. Before you go, we hope you'll consider supporting our values-driven journalism, which has always strived to make clear what's really at stake for Arizonans and our future.
Since day one, our goal here at The Copper Courier has always been to empower people across the state with fact-based news and information. We believe that when people are armed with knowledge about what's happening in their local, state, and federal governments—including who is working on their behalf and who is actively trying to block efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of Arizona families—they will be inspired to become civically engaged.
‘A complete disaster for Arizonans:’ Trump’s first 100 days hits employment, healthcare, and education
US President Donald Trump rings in his second term’s first 100 days with abysmal approval numbers and thousands of Arizonans unemployed as a direct...
Rep. Ciscomani votes to cut Medicaid after saying he’d protect it
US Rep. Juan Ciscomani voted last week to pass a federal budget despite opposition from Tucson voters, the Arizona business community, and himself....
OPINION: Jerry Sheridan will bring Arpaio’s toxicity back to the sheriff’s office
We’re still footing the $350 million bill for Sheridan’s unconstitutional raids on Latino communities. I am a retired Phoenix Police Officer...
13 wildest lies Trump told in the debate with Kamala Harris
Ex-President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris met for their first presidential debate—and Trump unleashed a barrage of lies and...
