A measure that would keep anything Satan-related away from public spaces passed a state Senate committee on Wednesday morning.
The Committee on Government approved SB 1279 by a 5-1 vote, with two senators not voting. Republican Sen. Jake Hoffman, who represents southern Maricopa and Pinal counties, introduced the bill, which is also known as the Reject Escalating Satanism by Preserving Core Traditions Act.
It would ban any symbols, statues or displays that represent or honor Satan from being on public property.
Critics argue the proposal is unconstitutional and violates the First Amendment. “I am genuinely impressed that in only 25 words, this bill seems to violate three separate clauses of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,’’ said Micah Mangione, who is against the bill.
He added it would create a slippery slope against other religions. “If you can go after the Satanic Tempe, which is an established religion, what about paganism next? What about Judaism next? How about Islam? How about LDS? Does any religion matter that’s not your Christian religion?” he asked
Hoffman disagreed. “It is legally and constitutionally suspect to argue that Satan, someone who is universally known to be an explicit enemy of God, is somehow a religion. I mean, that is an absolutely ludicrous statement to make,” he said.
