The Satanic Temple is Challenging Heartbeat Bill on the Grounds of Religious Freedom

The “heartbeat” law, SB8, that took effect in Texas on September 1 has angered many corporations and people on the left. The Satanic Temple (TST) joins in as they are now challenging this bill. The TST argues that the new law restricts their religious freedom. They refer to abortions as a “religious abortion ritual” and ceremony based on their deeply held beliefs. According to the TST website, “ This ritual may be performed by our members as a way to fortify self-worth, instill confidence, and provide spiritual comfort…It exempts Satanists from fulfilling any medically unnecessary and unscientific requirement, such as mandatory waiting periods or unwanted sonograms, that interferes with the practice of our ritual.”

TST announced it would be taking legal action to defend its members’ religious rights. They claim that those who share their religious rights should be exempt from the state’s law. They even encouraged their members in Texas to seek out illegal abortions up to 24 weeks into pregnancy. TST even shared that they would support members who underwent the Abortion Ritual, violating state law.

TST said, “TST stands ready to assist any member who shares our deeply-held religious convictions regarding the right to reproductive freedom. Accordingly, we encourage any member who resides in TX and wishes to undergo the Satanic Abortion Ritual within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy to contact The Satanic Temple so we may help them fight this law directly.”

The IRS recognizes the Satanic Temple as a church. Their websites show they have seven beliefs, including, “ One’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone.”

On August 31, they sent a letter to The Food and Drug Administration asking for members to have access to abortion pills, which they say are used in a “sacramental setting.” The TST has fought abortion bills in the past, including in Texas.

The Texas Right to Life, a pro-life group whose website allowed people to anonymously report violators of SB8 was removed over the weekend. Vice President of Texas Right to Life, Elizabeth Graham, said, “Texas Right to Life is undeterred, and we’re undaunted, and we’re gonna continue to help pregnant women.”

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Sarah Abrams

Sarah is a wife, new mom, and proud American living in Austin, Texas. She hopes her writing inspires others to seek truth and uphold the values that make this country great. When she is not writing about politics and culture, she enjoys cooking, trying new restaurants, and spending time outdoors with her family.