Governor Ron DeSantis is not concerned about new chaplain law inviting Satanists

Photo byRich Pope/Orlando Sentinel

KISSIMMEE, FL -- Governor Ron DeSantis is not concerned about Satanists taking advantage of a new law that allows volunteer chaplains to provide support to students during school hours. The Florida governor claimed the new legislation, which he signed into law last week, excludes Satanism altogether. 

“It’s our view that if school districts want to bring in chaplains to offer voluntary services, they’re within their right to do so,” the governor shared during a bill signing ceremony at Tohopekaliga High School in Kissimmee, Florida. “But there’s been a lot of confusion about that, about what’s permitted and what’s not,” DeSantis added. 

“This legislation clarifies that, yes, school districts and charter schools have the authority to allow volunteer chaplains to be on campus and provide additional counseling and support to students.”

Some have objected to having volunteer chaplains on campus at public schools due to the need for separation between government and religion. DeSantis, however, presented the notion of prohibiting chaplains as a form of discrimination. 

“No one’s being forced to do anything,” the governor said during the bill signing ceremony. “But to exclude religious groups from campus, that is discrimination. You’re basically saying that God has no place. That’s wrong. That’s not what our Founding Fathers intended.”

Some wondered whether the new bill would invite those who practice Satanism to pursue roles as chaplains on school campuses. DeSantis addressed such an idea during the bill signing ceremony. 

“We’re not playing those games in Florida,” the governor declared. “That is not a religion,” DeSantis said of Satanism. “That is not qualified to be able to participate in this. So, we’re going to be using common sense when it comes to this. You don’t have to worry about it.”

Satanism, by definition, is a group of religious, ideological, or philosophical beliefs based on Satan. In the Christian Bible, Satan (also referenced as Lucifer, The Evil One, and The Devil) is the archenemy of God.