1. “I also seek the banishment of any book that references the Bible.”
Context: In his petition to Florida public school superintendents, Stevens requested the removal of the Bible from schools to highlight perceived hypocrisy in book banning policies.
Source: Governing
2. “That should be irritating for you, regardless of what God or not-God you believe in.”
Context: Commenting on a Texas law requiring schools to display “In God We Trust” signs, Stevens expressed his concern about the intersection of religion and public education.
Source: NPR
3. “It’s simple — it’s empowering hypocrisy itself, turning bureaucracies against themselves, figuring out what the bureaucratic hypocrisy is.”
Context: Explaining his strategy behind challenging the Texas law by proposing “In God We Trust” signs in Arabic.
Source: NPR
4. “I thought what better way than putting it back in their face than to remind them that viewpoint discrimination shouldn’t be a problem.”
Context: Discussing his attempt to display a “Church of Satanology” banner at Broward County Public Schools, highlighting issues of viewpoint discrimination.
Source: WPLG
5. “The exclusion of my banner while allowing Christian banners is a blatant violation of my First Amendment rights.”
Context: In a lawsuit against Broward County Public Schools for denying his “Church of Satanology” banner while permitting Christian banners.
Source: Coral Springs Talk
6. “If public schools are going to open their doors to religious messages, they must allow all religious viewpoints—whether they agree with them or not.”
Context: Advocating for equal representation of all religious viewpoints in public schools.
Source: Coral Springs Talk
7. “They do not believe in your God.”
Context: Arguing for the inclusion of non-religious perspectives in public forums, emphasizing the diversity of beliefs.
Source: Coral Springs Talk
8. “The unflinching support I get is from Jewish people. They are very bothered by this.”
Context: Noting the support he receives from the Jewish community regarding his activism for the separation of church and state.
Source: Coral Springs Talk
9. “I convinced him. I told him that you represent all people, but 20 percent of the population are not any religion – they are none of the above.”
Context: Describing a conversation with a city commissioner about the importance of representing non-religious constituents.
Source: Coral Springs Talk
10. “I’m just saying, ‘Listen, not on my watch.’”
Context: Expressing his stance in a lawsuit aiming to block Donald Trump from appearing on the 2024 Florida ballot.
Source: Florida Politics
11. “Maybe this goes somewhere. Maybe it doesn’t. Maybe the court throws it back over the transom and says, ‘Get the hell out of here.’ But at least I’m standing up as one of many people to say, ‘Not today. No way.’”
Context: Discussing the potential outcomes of his lawsuit against Donald Trump’s candidacy.
Source: Florida Politics
12. “I don’t know shit about the legal system. That’s why I hire lawyers and am asking this question.”
Context: Acknowledging his lack of legal expertise while emphasizing the importance of challenging perceived injustices.
Source: Florida Politics
13. “If they have an issue, then I have an issue.”
Context: Referring to other states’ decisions to remove Donald Trump from the ballot and his motivation to pursue similar action in Florida.
Source: Florida Politics
14. “I see this as a teachable moment — a moment to teach inclusion.”
Context: Explaining his initiative to send “In God We Trust” signs in various languages to Texas schools.
Source: The Washington Post
15. “What better place than a middle school in Austin, Texas, or even better, a middle school in the deepest reddest part of Texas, to say, ‘Think about everyone else that’s not of your tribe, that they have rights allowed under law.’”
Context: Highlighting the importance of recognizing diverse perspectives in educational settings.
Source: The Washington Post
16. “If you’re Chaz Stevens, all hell breaks loose — and that’s the point.”
Context: A statement reflecting his approach to activism and the reactions it elicits.
Source: Yahoo
17. “For years now, Chaz Stevens has been using Satan to fight back against right-wing book bans and First Amendment complaints.”
Context: A description of his long-standing use of satire involving Satanic themes to challenge conservative policies.
Source: Facebook
18. “The fact that I wanted to bring a mariachi band and twerkers – they said I wasn’t solemn enough. My answer to them was my religion requires it. How do you know what my religion requires?”
Context: Critiquing the subjective standards used to judge religious expressions in public forums.
Source: Coral Springs Talk
19. “There are folks who come to us and say, ‘I don’t want to check my dog into cargo, I don’t want to pay the fees.’ There is a level of fraudulent interest. We say, ‘Have a good day.’”
Context: Discussing his company’s stance on providing legitimate emotional support animal documentation.
Source: ESADoggy Letters
20. “I’m an atheist. I don’t believe in any of that stuff. It’s about trans kids and LGBT kids and kids of color.”
Context: Explaining that his activism aims to support marginalized groups and promote inclusivity.
Source: WPLG