A Satanist group wants to send its “Ministers of Satan” into Oklahoma public schools should a chaplaincy bill become law in the state.
Senate Bill 36 would authorize public school districts across Oklahoma to welcome faith-based chaplains as hired staff or as volunteers to provide support, services and programs for students. SB36 is advancing through the Oklahoma State Legislature, after being approved last week by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The bill is similar to a law passed in 2023 in Texas. Before the House voted on the measure, an amendment aimed at preventing chaplains from proselytizing was made, along with an amendment adding educational requirements for them.
The Satanic Temple weighing in on SB36 has been part of the debate over similar chaplaincy bills in other states like Utah and Florida, where elected leaders have balked at the idea of Satanists providing support services for students.
