'It Is Done. Hail Satan:' City Immediately Regrets New Religious Liberty Law That Allows Prayer at City Council Meeting

An Iowa man sparked controversy by opening a municipal council meeting with a prayer to Satan, sparking a debate about the appropriateness of such a gesture at the start of a city council gathering. Matt Dalbey, a satanist and former city council member, took the stage and recited an invocation in the name of the Satanic Temple of Iowa. The prayer emphasized the importance of questioning social norms, individual autonomy, and resisting arbitrary authority.

Upon finishing his prayer, Dalbey declared, "It is done. Hail Satan." This prompted swift pushback from other attendees, most notably Pastor Rick Bick, who called for reversing the "curse" initiated by Dalbey's invocation. City Councilor Cara Galloway echoed Bick's sentiments, urging the council to "reverse that curse that was just put on our city."

Mayor Benjamin Foote intervened, suggesting a moment of silence to reflect on the situation before proceeding with the consent agenda. However, Galloway ultimately decided that the invocation had set a troubling precedent, potentially exposing the city to liability and inviting further objections. She argued that allowing religious invocations at council meetings risks diluting the focus on business and opening the door for various faiths to voice their beliefs.

Dalbey, a member of the Temple of Satan, defended his actions, emphasizing that his organization is comprised of nontheists who reject supernatural beliefs. He served on the city council for eight years, drawing concerns about the potential mixing of religion and government. The municipal council, which passed a resolution allowing invocations on January 20, saw only one member - Galloway - vote against it. She had expressed fear that Satanists might take advantage of the policy and deliver their own prayers.

Since the controversial invocation, Dalbey has expressed his desire to see the policy rescinded, noting that his attorney had warned against opening the door for all individuals to present during council meetings. The incident highlights a broader 10-year battle over religious freedom of expression in Iowa, marked by various disputes involving Christian nativity scenes, atheistic displays, and the Satanic Temple's activities.

In 2024, the state blocked the Satanists' winter celebration at the capitol, leading to a lawsuit by the ACLU on behalf of the group, alleging violation of federal free speech laws.