By Abbey Cannan
After calling on the Federal government to cover the costs of security for their upcoming Black Mass, the Noosa Temple of Satan has taken matters into their own hands.
In the face of “religious-based threats against its members’ right to express their freedom of religion“, The J demanded that the Temple of Satan pay for eight hours of time for security guards to be present.
The Noosa Council-owned venue hosting the Satanic Black Mass advised the Noosa Temple of Satan that it would apply a punitive additional cost of $480 for two security guards to be present at the half-hour event.
Brother Samael Demo-Gorgon, who is spokesperson for the Temple, said, “I am shocked to see the gross intolerance shown by Christians towards people of different faiths.”
“The Noosa Temple of Satan has been surprised by the large number of threats received on social media directed at the Temple by fanatical Christians. These threats range from burning down the venue with all inside, burning participants alive at the stake and putting supporters of the Black Mass to death,” he said.
“All this for merely practicing our right to freedom of religion in community with others and in private. We are simply manifesting our religion in worship, observance, practice and teaching.
“These outrageous threats to our event must be seen in the light of the calls by our Christian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for a Religious Freedom Bill.
“We have, however, been heartened by the response to these threats by the Noosa police, who have stated that they will be present on the night of the Black Mass ‘to keep the peace’.“
After demanding Noosa Federal MP Llew O’Brien step in and fund the security costs, the group has raised funds of $666 to cover the cost themselves.
Brother Samael said that The J could not expect Noosa’s Satanists to have to pay security costs every time they hold a Black Mass.
“This would be grossly unfair. Hillsong Church uses the same facility for their Sunday services and is not charged additional security costs by Council for the time they spend at this same venue,” he said.
Noosa Council’s standard hiring agreement at The J includes the requirement for hirers to pay for security should Council deem this is reasonable, such as to maintain safety.
Community Services Director Kerri Contini said the charge was only implemented for those events where an assessment deems it is warranted.
“We have been advised that members of the public intend to stage protests on the evening of the Satanic Black mass booking,” she said.
“Council considers it reasonable that security is on site to ensure event attendees, members of the public and staff are kept safe.”
Ms Contini said the cost of security was based on the security company’s minimum charge out rate.
“Queensland Police Service do not provide security for private events and their presence on the day cannot be guaranteed given their wide-ranging responsibilities and priorities.“
Ms Contini said Council has never applied security charges to Hillsong Church as their events to date have not presented any safety concerns.
