The Satanic Temple of Chicago has installed a stately and elegant statue at the Illinois Capitol between the Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah. Predictably, some people are pissed. Approximately 4.5 feet tall, the statue features a snake around an arm with the hand clutching an apple. The pedestal is emblazoned with the statement “Knowledge is the greatest gift.” From CNN:
“We feel it’s a First Amendment issue, we have other displays there — a Hanukkah menorah and Nativity scene,” (Secretary of State’s office spokesperson Dave) Drucker said. “If you have displays of one type you need to be consistent and allow everyone to do so, aside from hate speeches and other unacceptable things.”
The Satanic Temple says that its members are atheists who are often interested in community activism, according to the group’s website.
“We do not promote a belief in a personal Satan,” the website says. “To embrace the name Satan is to embrace rational inquiry removed from supernaturalism and archaic tradition-based superstitions.”
The group says it embraces the “struggle for justice” and believes people should “strive to act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures,” according to its website.