Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has issued a statement on a reported “Black Mass” protest that is planned for late March at the Statehouse in Topeka.    She said she will be limiting the activity to the grounds outside the building.

A Kansas Satanist group has announced plans for an occult ritual on March 28th, and the event has drawn condemnation from religious organizations in the state.

The governor issued the following statement regarding the event:

“I have been informed about concerns regarding an event at the Statehouse on March 28, and I share those concerns.  There are more constructive ways to protest and express disagreements without insulting or denigrating sacred religious symbols.

However, as governor, I also have a duty to protect protesters’ constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression, regardless of how offensive or distasteful I might find the content to be.  Since these rights are constitutionally protected, the Governor’s Office has limited authority to respond to such actions.
 
That said, it is important to keep the Statehouse open and accessible to the public while ensuring all necessary health and safety regulations are enforced. Therefore, all events planned for March 28 will be moved outdoors to the grounds surrounding the Statehouse. Again, no protests will be allowed inside the Statehouse on March 28.”