DeSantis says Satanism is ‘not real’ and ‘not qualifying’ for new Florida school chaplain program – By Brando Bachman (Law & Crime) / April 22, 2024
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis may have just set himself up for a First Amendment fight from hell.
Last week, the Republican governor signed two bills into law known as HB 1317 and HB 931, legislation first introduced by Republicans in the Florida statehouse this January and December respectively.
HB 1317 pushed for “patriotic organizations” to have voluntary representation in K-12 schools and HB 931 specifically pushed for approval of access to public schools by voluntary chaplains. For proponents, the bills, as written, were a chance for “patriotic organizations to speak to students, distribute certain materials, and provide opportunities for certain displays relating to the patriotic organizations” among other goals.
Some of those “patriotic organizations” included the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America as well as Boy Scouts of America and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Marine Corps League, the Navy SEAL Cadet Corps and others, a statement from the governor’s office notes.
