The Satanic Temple has sent a letter threatening to sue Mississippi, if the state moves forward with a plan to include the words “In God We Trust” on the new state flag.
A letter sent by lawyers for the Satanic Temple cites constitutional concerns regarding the First Amendment, saying the phrase “In God We Trust” is not representative of all Mississippians.
While the Satanic Temple supports the removal of the Confederate flag, removing one divisive symbol of exclusion only to replace it with a divisive phrase of exclusion does not eliminate exclusion, but rather moves it from one group to a collection of others.
Mississippi’s state seal includes the words “In God We Trust.” As does all U.S. cash and coins. Previous court cases have upheld that the national motto, and its use on coin and currency, does not infringe on First Amendment rights.
The letter from the Satanic Temple’s lawyers does contain some recommendations:
My client would like to suggest that if Mississippi is going to place a religious phrase on its flag, it should include reference to Satan.
Of course.
Designs for the new state flag will be presented to legislators by Sept. 14, then voters will decide in November which design they like the most.
The Satanic Temple says it will seek injunctive relief if the state moves forward with a plan that includes the “In God We Trust” phrase.