Denouncing the planned satanic worship ritual scheduled to take place on March 28, 2025.
Summary
Senate Resolution 1717 is a nonbinding expression of the Kansas Senate’s opposition to a planned satanic worship ritual scheduled for March 28, 2025, on the grounds of the Kansas State Capitol. The resolution frames the event as offensive to Christians and Catholics, describes it as contrary to the state’s and nation’s spiritual heritage, and calls on Kansans to promote unity, mutual respect, and shared values. It also urges Governor Laura Kelly to condemn the planned activity.
In addition to denouncing the planned event, the resolution condemns vandalism and alleged hate speech at St. Patrick Parish in Wichita, Kansas, and characterizes that conduct as disrespectful to religious symbols and property. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to specified senators. As a resolution, it does not amend statutes or create enforceable law, but it serves as an official legislative statement of condemnation and solidarity with affected religious communities.
Impact
SR1717 does not change Kansas statutes, create penalties, or regulate conduct; it is a ceremonial and declaratory resolution. Its practical effect is political and symbolic, using the Senate’s official voice to condemn the planned event, criticize related vandalism, and encourage public unity and respect for religious belief. The resolution may affect public messaging around free speech, religious expression, and use of state capitol grounds, but it does not itself alter legal rights or obligations.
Sentiment
The resolution reflects strong support among its sponsors and likely among senators who voted for it, with a clear tone of condemnation toward the planned ritual and the vandalism at St. Patrick Parish. The language is highly charged and religiously framed, emphasizing offense to Catholics and Christians and invoking the state’s spiritual heritage. No committee transcript or vote record was provided, but the broad list of sponsors suggests substantial support within the chamber for the resolution’s message.
Contention
The main point of contention is the tension between the resolution’s denunciation of the planned ritual and the First Amendment protections it expressly acknowledges, including the rights of assembly and free speech. Supporters appear to view the event as blasphemous, anti-Catholic, and disrespectful, while critics would likely argue that the state should not use official legislative action to condemn protected religious or expressive activity. Another likely point of dispute is the resolution’s call for Governor Laura Kelly to condemn the event, which places pressure on the executive branch to take a public position on a controversial expression issue.
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