Item 3 in The Satanic Temple's Seven Fundamental Tenets
Bodily autonomy
Treat each person's body as inviolable and subject to that person's will.
- Position
- 3
- Form
- Mixed formulation
- Obligation
- Context-dependent
- Wording status
- Translation
- Intended audience
- Members and supporters of The Satanic Temple
- Last reviewed
- 28 June 2027
Names and terminology
Canonical name: Third tenet
Original term: Third tenet
Transliteration: Third tenet
Source wording
<p>Treat each person's body as inviolable and subject to that person's will.</p><p><em>Editorial paraphrase; consult the linked source for full wording and context.</em></p>
Literal meaning
Treat each person's body as inviolable and subject to that person's will.
Broader interpretation
Treat each person's body as inviolable and subject to that person's will.
Historical context
This principle belongs to The Satanic Temple's Seven Fundamental Tenets and must be read within that framework's setting.
Practical meaning
Treat each person's body as inviolable and subject to that person's will.
Ethical purpose
Treat each person's body as inviolable and subject to that person's will.
Exceptions and disputes
Flexible interpretation prevents rigid literalism but requires explicit reasons and accountability.
Variations across schools or traditions
Other Satanic organisations and independent Satanists use different texts, symbols and ethical systems.
Modern application
Treat each person's body as inviolable and subject to that person's will. Modern application should consider consent, evidence, proportionality, power and consequences.
Criticism and difficult cases
Flexible interpretation prevents rigid literalism but requires explicit reasons and accountability.
Truth By Reason analysis
Treat each person's body as inviolable and subject to that person's will. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.
Ethical themes
Sources
- The Satanic Temple — Seven Fundamental Tenets Primary source