demonic Show “Birth”. A mysterious statue erected on Concord city property near the New Hampshire State Capitol was destroyed shortly after several incidents of vandalism last week. Now, Democratic state Rep. Ellen Reed says the temple “probably should” put up a new display in its place.
“I think they probably should, because I think vandalism and hate should not go unanswered. But it's up to them,” Reed was quoted as saying by the Catholic News Agency.
Reed told the outlet that she came up with the idea of proposing that The Satanic Temple (TST) put up a Christmas display, which was a statue of Baphomet — despite significant opposition from local officials — arguing that the Catholic groups' Jesus birth scene should not be the only decoration. there. She also said that she is a member of TST but has not participated in any of its meetings or events.
A statue of Baphomet is seen in the transmutation room of the Satanic Temple where the House of Hell is held in Salem, Massachusetts, on October 8, 2019. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)
According to its website, TST's mission is “to encourage goodness and compassion, reject tyrannical authority, advocate practical common sense, oppose injustice, and undertake noble endeavors.”
“We have publicly confronted hate groups, fought to abolish corporal punishment in public schools, applied for equal representation when religious facilities are placed on public property, and provided religious exemption and legal protections against laws that unscientifically restrict people's autonomy.” reproductive, and we uncovered harmful false violations.” – Scientific practitioners in the field of mental health care, organized clubs alongside other after-school religious clubs in schools besieged by missionary organizations, and engaged in other advocacy activities in accordance with our principles. Location countries.
Avoid legal dispute over First Amendmentthe Concord City Council approved the organization's permit to put on the show, despite the mayor saying earlier this week that he wished the city had not approved it.
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View of The Satanic Temple in Concord, New Hampshire. (The Satanic Temple)
“I opposed the permit because I believe the request was made not to advance religious equality but to advance an anti-religious political agenda, and because I do not respond well to legal blackmail and the threat of litigation.” Mayor Byron Champlin said during Council meeting last Monday. “Some on social media celebrated The Satanic Temple's display as a victory for religious pluralism and a reflection of our increasing diversity as a society. I disagree with this. This is about an out-of-state organization cynically promoting its national agenda in the Senate.” At the expense of the Concord community.”
Meanwhile, the city issued a statement saying that because of the First Amendment and the possibility of a lawsuit, the city was forced to choose between banning all holiday displays or allowing the TST statue.
“After reviewing its legal options, the city has ultimately decided to continue the policy of allowing unattended displays in City Plaza this holiday season and allow the statue,” the city said in a statement. “Next year, the City Council is expected to review whether permits for unattended displays should be allowed during the holidays City Plaza.”
The Satanic Temple's holiday display is located in ruins on the grounds of Concord, New Hampshire. (The Satanic Temple)
Read scolded the mayor in an interview with Catholic news outlet this week, saying, “I think it's narrow-mindedness on the part of the mayor, who can't seem to comprehend that this represents a large percentage of the community and its beliefs.”
In the video Posted on Facebook, two TST representatives unveiled the statue on Monday. One speaker pointed out the group's basic principles, before chanting, “Hail Satan!” And show the statue.
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Concord Police Deputy Chief John Thomas A Local news outlet The investigation into who vandalized TST property is ongoing.
TST has held several holiday displays near city or state property, often in conjunction with traditional Christian fairs, in recent years. In 2022, TST's Illinois chapter installed a holiday display in the state Capitol rotunda, which featured a crocheted snake atop a book and a pile of apples. In December 2023, the Iowa TST chapter created a statue of Baphomet at the state Capitol, which was also vandalized shortly after it was placed.
