a satan "Birth" display A mysterious statue that stood on Concord property near the New Hampshire State Capitol was destroyed last week, shortly after several incidents of vandalism. Now, Democratic state Rep. Alan Reed says the temple "probably should" build a new exhibit in its original location.
"I think they should probably do that because I don't think vandalism and hate should go unanswered," Reed said, according to Catholic News Service. "But it's up to them."
Reed told the media that she proposed the Christmas display for the Satanic Temple (TST) to display a statue of Baphomet, saying she believed the Catholic group should display a nativity scene despite strong objections from local officials. She also stated that she is a member of TST but has not attended any meetings or events of the organization.
A statue of Baphomet is seen in the converted room of the Satanic Temple during the "Hell House" event in Salem, Massachusetts, on October 8, 2019. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)
According to its website, TST's mission is to "encourage compassionate empathy, reject tyranny, promote practical common sense, oppose injustice, and pursue noble pursuits."
"We speak out against hate groups, fight to abolish corporal punishment in public schools, apply for equal representation when religious facilities are placed on public property, provide religious exemptions and legal protections against laws that unscientifically limit people's reproductive autonomy, and expose harmful hypocrisy. .
Avoid legal disputes first amendmentThe Concord City Council approved the group's permit to display the exhibit, although the mayor said earlier this week he wished the city had not approved it.
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Exhibit at the Satanic Temple in Concord, New Hampshire. (The Satanic Temple)
"I opposed this permit because I believe the request was made not to advance religious equality but to advance an anti-religious political agenda, and I respond poorly to legal blackmail and threats of lawsuits," Concord said. Byron Mayor Champlin said during the meeting Last Monday's council meeting. "Some people on social media celebrated the Satanic Temple's display as a victory for religious pluralism and a reflection of our growing diversity as a community. I disagree. This was cynically done by an out-of-state organization. driving their national agenda around the world.
Meanwhile, the city released a statement saying it was forced to choose between banning all holiday displays or allowing the TST statue due to the First Amendment and the possibility of litigation.
"After reviewing its legal options, the city has ultimately decided to continue its policy of allowing unattended displays in the City Plaza during the holidays and to allow for the construction of the statue," the city said in a statement. "The City Council is expected to proceed next year. Will review whether licenses should be allowed to be displayed on unattended holidays City square.
The Satanic Temple's festive display is located in the ruins of Concord, New Hampshire. (The Satanic Temple)
Reid scolds mayor in interview with New York Times catholic news media This week, he said: "I think it's close-mindedness on the part of the mayor who can't seem to understand that this represents a large part of the community and what they believe in."
in video Two TST representatives posted about the unveiling of the statue on Facebook on Monday. A spokesman recalled the group's core principles before chanting "Long live Satan!" and displaying the statue.
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Concord Deputy Police Chief John Thomas told local news media An investigation into who damaged TST property is ongoing.
In recent years, TST has established several holiday displays near city or state property, often alongside traditional Christian displays. In 2022, the Illinois chapter of TST installed a holiday display in the State Capitol Rotunda that featured a book and a crocheted snake atop a pile of apples. In December 2023, the Iowa TST chapter installed a statue of Baphomet at the state Capitol, but the statue was also vandalized shortly after it was placed.