Satanic Temple’s nativity display in New Hampshire destroyed, Dem rep calls for new display
A controversial Satanic “nativity” display featuring an occult statue on Concord city property near the New Hampshire State Capitol was destroyed after several vandalism incidents last week. Democratic state Rep. Ellen Read is now suggesting that The Satanic Temple (TST) should be allowed to erect a new display in its place.
“I think they probably should, because I think the vandalism and the hatefulness shouldn’t go without a response. But it’s up to them,” Read said, according to the Catholic News Agency. She explained that she proposed the idea of TST putting up the Christmas display, which featured a statue of Baphomet, in response to a Catholic group’s nativity scene of Jesus being the only decoration at the site. It’s worth noting that Read is a member of TST but has not actively participated in any of its meetings or events.
TST’s mission, as stated on its website, is to encourage benevolence and empathy, reject tyrannical authority, advocate for common sense, oppose injustice, and undertake noble pursuits. The organization has been involved in various advocacy efforts, including confronting hate groups, fighting for the abolition of corporal punishment in schools, advocating for reproductive autonomy, and exposing harmful pseudo-scientific practices in mental health care.
Despite initial pushback from local officials, the Concord City Council approved TST’s permit to display the controversial statue on city property in order to avoid a potential legal dispute over the First Amendment. The mayor of Concord expressed his disapproval of the display, stating that he believed it was driven by an anti-religious political agenda rather than promoting religious equity.
After the statue was vandalized, Read criticized the mayor for his narrow-mindedness and inability to recognize the diverse beliefs within the community. The city released a statement explaining that they were forced to allow the display due to the First Amendment and the threat of a lawsuit from TST. The city council plans to review next year whether permits for unattended holiday displays should be allowed at City Plaza.
TST representatives unveiled the statue amidst chants of “Hail Satan!” and showcased the controversial display on Facebook. The investigation into the vandalism of TST’s property is ongoing, according to Concord Deputy Police Chief John Thomas.
TST has a history of erecting holiday displays near city or state properties, often alongside traditional Christian exhibits. In 2022, the Illinois chapter of TST installed a display in the state Capitol rotunda, featuring a crocheted serpent atop a book and a pile of apples. In December 2023, the Iowa TST chapter set up a Baphomet statue at the state Capitol, which was also vandalized shortly after its placement.
The controversy surrounding the Satanic “nativity” display in Concord highlights the ongoing debate over religious freedom, free speech, and the separation of church and state. As the community grapples with differing beliefs and values, it remains to be seen how future holiday displays will be handled in public spaces.
