In a decisive ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has thrown out a challenge by the Satanic Temple against Indiana’s strict abortion law.
On Tuesday, the Seventh Circuit unanimously dismissed the lawsuit, titled Satanic Temple v. Rokita, No. 23-3247, affirming a 2023 lower court decision that the group lacked standing to sue. The court explicitly stated that it did not have jurisdiction to hear the claims. This upholds Indiana’s pro-life legislation, enacted as the first comprehensive measure of its kind after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Now, let’s be clear: this ruling isn’t just a legal footnote; it’s a flashpoint in the ongoing clash over deeply held values. The debate over abortion laws continues to divide, with supporters of Indiana’s restrictions cheering a win for life and opponents decrying perceived overreach. But what does this dismissal signal for future challenges?
Back in 2022, the Satanic Temple filed its initial complaint, seeking to block Indiana’s law by claiming their so-called “Satanic Abortion Ritual” deserved exemptions under constitutional protections and the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act, according to Breitbart. It’s a striking argument, but the courts didn’t entertain it.
The Seventh Circuit’s ruling cut straight to the point: “…[T]he Satanic Temple lacks standing to sue, and we do not have subject matter jurisdiction to hear its claims.” Without standing, the Temple couldn’t even get a hearing on the merits.
Think about it—lacking a direct stake, like running an abortion clinic in Indiana, means their case was dead on arrival. Their mention of future telehealth plans sounds more like a hope than a harm. It’s hard to see this as anything but a procedural roadblock they couldn’t navigate.
Indiana’s law, for context, permits exceptions for the mother’s life or health, fatal fetal anomalies before 22 weeks, and cases of rape or incest before 10-12 weeks. Still, it remains one of the strictest in the country.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita was quick to react, calling the lawsuit “ridiculous from the start.” He declared, “This unanimous court decision is a critical victory because it continues to uphold our pro-life law that is constitutionally and legally rock-solid.” That’s not just confidence—it’s a challenge to anyone else daring to test the law.
Rokita’s framing paints this as a triumph for Hoosier principles, not merely a courtroom win. Meanwhile, Indiana Solicitor General James Barta added, “We’re proud to have secured another win that keeps Indiana’s pro-life law firmly in place.” Their unified front suggests they’re ready for whatever comes next.
Let’s address the core issue: using religious rituals as a legal tool against abortion laws. The Satanic Temple’s argument rests on their ritual being a protected act, but the court didn’t even weigh in on that claim.
Without standing, it’s all theoretical—and honestly, a bit of a distraction. Should any group be able to demand carve-outs from major laws based on unique practices? It risks turning policy into a patchwork of exceptions.
Some might say the Temple’s approach cheapens both faith and the abortion debate. Packaging a profound issue as a provocative stunt could alienate even those willing to discuss exemptions. It grabs attention, sure, but clearly not judicial sympathy.
Where does this leave Indiana’s pro-life framework? The law stands firm for now, a clear statement of the state’s commitment post-Roe v. Wade reversal.
Yet, the larger cultural battle isn’t over, and groups like the Satanic Temple likely won’t abandon their efforts. Indiana’s officials, buoyed by this victory, seem geared up for the next fight.
If nothing else, this case shows the struggle over life and liberty remains unresolved. It’s not the end of the story—just a new page in a contentious chapter. Future challenges will test whether Indiana’s resolve holds as strongly as its law.
