Oral Arguments Set To Begin In The Satanic Temple v. Idaho

[Think. Again.]

The Satanic Temple (TST) will present oral arguments before a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday, March 26. TST is suing over Idaho’s abortion restrictions and how they impact the religious rights of our members.

TST argues that the state’s restrictions compel pregnancy that otherwise could be averted. This mandate, in effect, appropriates the womb on behalf of the state. TST claims this violates both the Fifth and Thirteenth Amendments as well as Idaho’s religious freedom protections. In addition, Supreme Court precedent affirms these same protections.

While this argument in defense of abortion access has never been tried, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals agreed to hear oral arguments as opposed to dismissing the case, which is cause for guarded optimism.

(Source: TST email Newsletter dated 3/25/2025)

[Buckeyeblue]

1. Alito has gone out of his way to give deference to deeply held religious beliefs

Typically, it's when an individual or business wants to discriminate against someone. So while I don't know how strong an argument TST has, it probably has as strong an argument as Alito wrote to overturn Roe.

It'll be interesting how many times they cite Alito in their arguments.

[Think. Again.]

2. Good point...

....although I believe it's widely understood that Alito has no interest in protecting any religious beliefs at all and that he only uses that as a cover to deny certain Americans their Human Rights.

But it could make for a strong argument of precedence in a court he doesn't preside over.

[Scrivener7]

3. Thank you, Jesus, for the Satanic Temple.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

4. They have a pretty shitty track record; this appeal will go nowhere, as in Indiana.

[Think. Again.]

5. I'd argue that....

...continuing to fight for Civil Rights despite some losses is actually a good track record.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

6. And I think indulging in legal theater isn't fighting for civil rights.

[Think. Again.]

7. The alternative of just accepting instead of fighting...

...is somehow better?

Was marching through Selma something more than "theater"?

[WhiskeyGrinder]

8. lol the Satanic Temple is not marching through Selma

Look, I know you're fan. It's okay. But it's important to really pay attention to what they do. They routinely file lawsuits and then let them languish without vigorous legal representation. Indiana failed because they *didn't establish standing,* one of the most basic things to do when filing a lawsuit. This Idaho suit is identical to Indiana's, which means they still haven't established standing. It's guaranteed to lose.

Appealing without correcting your errors is an exercise in futility, not good trouble.

[Think. Again.]

9. But this hearing is specifically about standing.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

10. And TST will lose again, because they do not have standing.

[Think. Again.]

11. Fighting for rights is always a good thing.