TAVARES, Fla. » A South Florida man is threatening to sue Lake County if officials pray during a commission meeting but don’t allow him to give a satanic invocation.

Chaz Stevens, a self-described atheist, tells local news outlets his request this week is part of his "Satan or Silence Project." His goal is to persuade elected officials to either drop prayers before meetings or allow him to lead a satanic prayer.

Commission Chairman Jimmy Conner says he won’t allow the request.

In the past, Stevens has helped sway several cities to have a moment of silence before meetings instead of a prayer. He says he will consider filing a lawsuit if Lake County denies his request.

Conner says he’ll rally churches to raise money for a defense, should he need to. He has no plans to forgo the invocation.