A Satanic group from Detroit is planning to build their own holiday display at the Michigan statehouse, Freep reported on Tuesday.
The display shows a snake wrapped around a Satanic cross symbol, delivering a book as a holiday present. It will be shown on the lawn of the capitol building from Dec. 21 to 23, according to Jex Blackmore, a member of Detroit's chapter of the Satanic Temple. "The greatest gift is knowledge" is written on the cross.
"Encouraging families to have important discussions and to learn from each other and to spend the holidays promoting knowledge ... is just something we think is important," said Blackmore, whose phone number starts with the numerals 666.
The Michigan State Capitol Commission approved the display because its members were "constrained by the Constitution" and must "recognize everybody's First Amendment rights."
"Personally, I think this is absolutely repulsive and I'm very frustrated by it. I don't appreciate a group trying to hijack a Christian holiday," said John Truscott, a member of the Michigan State Capitol Commission.
After the Capitol Commission received a request for a Christian Nativity scene to be displayed on the lawn, Blackmore said the Satanic group decided to put in a request too. Blackmore said the display provides some commentary about diversity in religion among residents of Michigan.
Sen. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge) said he would put up and take down a Christian Nativity scene at the capitol to comply with rules that it must be taken down by 11 p.m. each evening. Overnight displays are barred.
"We have freedom of religion, but I'm not going to let them hijack a Christian holiday without (also) having a nativity scene," Jones told The Detroit News. "I will do everything in my power to save Christmas at the Capitol."
