Two very different displays, including a Christian nativity scene and a Satanic exhibit, have gone up on the grounds of the Michigan State Capitol for the holiday season this year.
The story garnered a lot of media attention when it seemed there was a possibility that the Capitol grounds would host only a Satanic display after Christians counterpart forgot to take into account all of Michigan’s rules.
As a way to counter the Christian nativity scene, Satanic Temple’s Detroit chapter had sought to install its own exhibit promoting inclusiveness and religious freedom. The organization received an approval from the Capitol staff earlier this year, though before approving, the staff did consult the state attorney general’s office.
“It's a First Amendment right,” said Capitol Facility Director Dan Brocklehurst.
On the other hand, the permission for the Christian nativity, which was filed from outside Michigan, faced some hurdles after its organizers learned that the state’s rules require holiday displays at the Capitol to be taken down by 11 pm every day. According to Brocklehurst, the Christian organizers thought they would not be able to comply with those rules, which is why they decided to withdraw their request.
This development meant the Capitol’s grounds would be occupied by a Satanic display only, which led some residents of Michigan to believe their state had decided to replace a Nativity scene with a Satanic exhibit during this holiday season. The contentious Satanic display at the Capitol features a snake and the phrase, “The Greatest Gift is Knowledge.”
“A lot of the Christians felt we denied the Nativity scene,” said Brocklehurst, before explaining how the situation changed when people realized the out-of-state permit was at risk of being withdrawn because of a lack of local support.
However, a local group headed by state senator Rick Jones, who said earlier this month he was a little angry that a Satanic group had managed to steal a Christian holiday, decided to step in and donate a Nativity scene, which they would bring down at the end of each day.
Currently, a Christian nativity scene has been installed alongside the Satanic exhibit at the Capitol and both displays will stay there through the holidays. Next to both displays, the Capitol has put up disclaimers stating Michigan does not own, maintain, promote or support either worldview. Additionally, Brocklehurst said both displays are situated where CCTV cameras will help Capitol staff keep an eye on them.
“We want to be sure they're both secure and not subject to vandalism while they're on Capitol grounds,” said Brocklehurst, who acknowledged that the dueling displays have put Michigan officials in a new territory.
The Satanic Temple’s website states the group’s aim is to encourage empathy and benevolence among all people, while embracing justice and practical common sense.
Jex Blackmore, director of the Satanic Temple’s Detroit chapter, said, “The Christmas display draws attention to a policy that's clearly intended to support the display of mainstream religious iconography while excluding others.”
She explained her organization hopes that their display sets an example for the state legislature, where the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act has recently stirred a heated debate over individuals and businesses being able to claim exemptions against state laws if they cite their personal religious beliefs.
Blackmore said, “Many of us suspect [it's] shortsighted in that it doesn't account for the multiple religions that may seek privilege and exemption under its umbrella. … We've inspired a lot of enthusiasm, and other chapters of The Satanic Temple are looking into the possibility of submitting displays across the nation. … It's a bit late in the season now, but I feel the next year's holiday season will see a lot more in the way of Satanic displays.”
Photo Credits: Wikimedia
