The Detroit chapter of the Satanic Temple has successfully put up a holiday display of a red-scaled snake weaving across a Christian cross on the grounds of the Michigan Capitol — right next to a more traditional Christmas scene installed by a state Republican that includes images of the baby Jesus, Joseph and Mary.
“[The] holiday season is a time of year that is celebrated in many different ways,” said Satanic Temple spokeswoman Jex Blackmore, in a videotaped interview with the Lansing State Journal. “Having our government endorse one singular viewpoint or method of celebrating the season is problematic when we have a diverse community of people in Michigan.”
The Satanic Temple display of a “Snaketivity Scene” features the snake wrapped around the Christian cross, offering a book called “Revolt of the Angels” as a gift, The Associated Press reported.
In response, Sen. Rick Jones put up the Christian Christmas holiday scene on the same grounds.
“[I’m happy to] represent the light and not the darkness,” he said, AP reported. “They could have put theirs up in July or April or sometime. They didn’t need to put it up in the Christmas season. That’s OK. We’re going to ignore them. I’m not afraid of the snake people. I’m sure that Jesus Christ is not afraid.”
Capitol rules require that the displays have to be taken down each evening, but may be installed again the next day.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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