Concord, NH, has ignited a debate by permitting The Satanic Temple’s holiday display alongside a traditional nativity scene.
At a Glance
- The Satanic Temple’s display in Concord critiques the Nativity scene.
- The city allowed the display to avoid First Amendment lawsuits.
- The statue of Baphomet was vandalized shortly after installation.
- Changes to the city’s policy on holiday displays may follow.
Satanic Display Sparks Controversy
The Satanic Temple of New Hampshire and Vermont installed their holiday display in Concord, NH, aiming to critique the nearby Christian Nativity scene. This installation includes a statue of Baphomet dressed in Catholic clerical robes, alongside satanic symbols such as inverted crosses and pentagrams. The decision to allow this display comes as part of the city’s commitment to uphold First Amendment rights and avoid potential lawsuits from The Satanic Temple, which threatened legal action if their display was not permitted.
Despite the controversial nature of the display, the city prioritized legal prudence in its decision to allow it. Following its unveiling, the display was vandalized and broken into three pieces. Officials, including N.H. State Rep. Ellen Read, stepped in to support the display’s reassembly amidst strong opposition from certain community members. Mayor Byron Champlin expressed disapproval and labeled the display a political stunt rather than a legitimate religious expression.
“Under the First Amendment and to avoid litigation, the City needed to choose whether to ban all holiday displays installed by other groups, or otherwise, to allow it,” a post on the City of Concord’s Facebook page said.
Read the article: https://t.co/xnB7lQWomv pic.twitter.com/ntOR3iQaxb
— The Satanic Temple (@satanic_temple_) December 8, 2024
Balancing Religious Freedom and Public Sentiment
Many stakeholders, including Christian advocacy group Cornerstone Action, condemn the display as a media strategy rather than a genuine religious endeavor. They encouraged Christians to counter it with more Christmas displays. Concord’s decision to allow it symbolizes a commitment to religious freedom, allowing all religious expressions equal space. N.H. State Rep. Ellen Read emphasized the need for tolerance, citing the longstanding presence of the Nativity scene despite potential offense.
“The Satanic Temple are not Satanists. They have no religious belief in any Satan figure. They are normal, atheist feminists who use Satanic imagery as a legal tactic, to fundraise through media exposure, and because offending Christian grandmothers brings a sense of meaning to their sad lives,” said Cornerstone Action.
The dispute reflects broader challenges of city and state responsibilities in maintaining public order amid varying religious issues. As the city plans to form a committee to review policies on unattended displays, the evolving scenario may result in policy adjustments aimed at balancing religious plurality with public order.
In Concord, NH, the Satanic Temple has installed its own holiday monument in front of the New Hampshire State House, near the city Christmas tree and a nativity scene. The Satanic Temple threatened to sue if they weren’t allowed to hail Satan during Christmas 🤦🏻♀️ (link to article… pic.twitter.com/cbHTnygH5W
— OneOutOfFour (@OneOutof4) December 8, 2024
Future Implications of the Display Decision
The display aligns with The Satanic Temple’s mission to oppose injustice and promote empathy and benevolence, using Satanic imagery to highlight social issues. Their emphasis on atheist principles with satirical religious undertones often draws legal and public scrutiny. According to Lucien Greaves, The Satanic Temple’s spokesman, the law should not involve itself in religious affairs, underscoring the importance of religious liberty.
“And the law demands, as it should, that the government not insert itself in matters of religious opinion practice, or identity. This is the very essence of religious liberty, that each of us is free to believe or disbelieve, to have and hold our religious opinions, as we see fit,” said Lucien Greaves.
As the city examines its policy regarding public holiday displays, the Concord case may serve as a template for others confronting similar issues. The decision reflects a delicate balance between legal prudence, public sentiment, and upholding constitutional rights. The ongoing conversation will likely influence future actions of local governments when addressing the intersection of public policy and religious representation.
