"Satan does not exclude" – authoritative delegation of Satanists at LGBT parade under the patronage of Warsaw

On Saturday, another edition of the Equality Parade passed through the streets of Warsaw. Although the event has been presented for years as a march of openness and acceptance, this year's edition cast a deep shadow on this image.

Along with politicians and social activists, an authoritative delegation of Satanists appeared, who not only took part in the march but marched with a banner: ‘Satan does not exclude’. The banner was visible, exposed unfettered, and the group itself was previously registered as a full delegation.

During the inauguration of the march, the president of the capital Rafał Trzaskowski took the floor. His words sounded all the more blatant in the light of the presence of Satanists at the event, which he took over with his patronage.

– "I am very glad that we have gathered at the parade, one more time under the patronage of the City of Warsaw. For many years I have been saying that we have been building Warsaw, which is an open and tolerant city in which these values are not only valued but besides promoted. Tolerance, diversity and above all respect for all must be promoted" “Trzaskowski said to the assembly.

The comparison of these words with the presence of ideologically utmost groups whose foundation is opposition to religion, in peculiar Christianity, raises anxiety and confusion. It is not just about controversy – it is about public ridicule of faith, symbols and values, which for millions of Poles are not an ideology, but a spiritual foundation of life.

Satanists themselves do not hide their agenda. On the Global Order of Satan authoritative website, the organization describes its goals and identity:

"Global Order of Satan is an global network of Satanist communities. We advance the ideals of Satanism and the worship of an individual, while protecting those who are oppressed by spiritual hegemons and the excessive influence of dominant religions in public life. As atheists, we believe neither in the gods nor in the devil. Our ideology is based on courage, compassion, science, same and introspection rituals. Six Pillars of the Global Order of Satan are the basis of our convictions and give, in our opinion, better guidance for a moral and compassionate life."

"In contrast to another Satanist groups, we emphasize: the importance of the community in everything we do; an organizational structure without hierarchy; a clear condemnation of fascist, racist, and eugenic views; support for local social initiatives and openness to LGBTQIA+ and neuroatypical members."

These are not loose reflections of respective marginal activists. This is simply a conscious and coherent ideology, the foundation of which is rebellion against religion — especially Christian — and putting “me” above any another spiritual value. Their language may be soft, dressed in words of compassion and science, but the content remains clear: rejection of God, religion, and all spiritual tradition in the name of self-will and worship of individualism.

It is hard not to ask: does the march that invites specified groups truly represent equality and respect? Did Rafał Trzaskowski, taking the patronage of the event with the active participation of Satanists, take work for their message? And do the politicians of the Levites who walked alongside this group view it as an expression of freedom or as a blow to what is holy to Christians?

For many Poles it is no longer a question of disagreement. It is simply a public vulnerability of the Christian religion to an effort to ridicule. For if Satan “does not exclude” – as the banner preached – what does Jesus do, according to the organizers of the march? Is this the "respect for everyone" that the president was talking about?

In the name of tolerance, the borders have been moved so far that present on the streets of Warsaw anyone can march – even those who manifest spiritual and cultural negation of values that are sacred to most Poles. It's not progress. It's a moral breakdown.