The Satanic Temple says they have a religious exemption to perform an abortion, citing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
QUICK FACTS:
- The Satanic Temple (TST) plans to argue that they would have a religious exemption to form abortion rituals, regardless of whatever rules are handed down by the Supreme Court.
- Fox News reported that TST has filed a suit under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which demands “unfettered access” to abortion drugs.
- The group says having abortion-inducing drugs like Mifepristone and Misoprostol to use without government interference is necessary for their religion.
- One of TST’s central tenets is that “one’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone,” which they argue is violated by the government’s potential restrictions on abortion.
- On TST’s official website is a link to a “Fetal Burial Exemption Letter” that can be used as an excuse for those looking to commit abortion in areas where it is restricted.
SATANIC CHURCH ON ABORTION:
- “In states that outlaw abortion but grant exceptions for instances of incest and rape,” TST said, “members should be permitted a religious exception to perform TST’s religious abortion ritual.”
- “States that outlaw abortion and do not grant exceptions present more significant challenges, but TST has a number of plans that we will be undertaking quite soon,” TST added. “First, we will be suing the FDA to permit TST access to Mifepristone and Misoprostol for use under medical supervision as part of our religious abortion ritual.”
- “TST insists that certain restrictions interfere with our religious practices. The rights of religious organizations to receive special consideration due to their beliefs has been repeatedly affirmed in courts and this position is further supported by Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) laws,” according to the organization’s website.
BACKGROUND:
- TST’s suit comes in response to news that the Supreme Court could be overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark case allowing abortion nationwide.
- Their suit hangs on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) which was a 1993 federal law that prevents states from interfering with anyone’s religion without demonstrating a compelling interest.
