The Satanic Temple (TST) unveiled a new display at the Michigan State Capitol Monday, just days after its statue in Iowa was torn down, according to a post on X.
TST’s display of Baphomet in the Iowa State Capitol building was destroyed after a Christian veteran beheaded the statue, claiming that he would not stand by as Christians continue to “submissively accept the legitimization of Satan.” TST unveiled a new display that can be found outside Michigan’s capitol building on the lawn, according to a post on X. (RELATED: Christian Military Vet Says He Decapitated Satanic Statue In State Capitol)
“TST members across Michigan united to create their State Capitol holiday display,” the post reads. “Lansing’s TST Candidate congregation crafted the goat with help from TST West Michigan and TST Detroit. Stop by the Capitol to view our Michigan congregations’ display!”
The display includes two “yule goats,” an old Nordic pagan tradition, with one featuring the skull of a goat, much like TST’s logo, according to WILX News 10. A TST spokesperson told the DCNF that it has been doing displays at the state’s capitol for nine years.
“Our goat was inspired by the Scandinavian Yule (and later Christmas) tradition of the Yule Goat, or Julbocken,” the spokesperson said. “Many of our members in Michigan observe the Yule holiday as well as the Satanic holiday of Sol Invictus, and Satanism has historically used goat symbolism, making this a perfect fit for our holiday display. Our display serves as an expression of religious pluralism and a celebration of diversity throughout our state.
”Just the opportunity for us to all gather and be able to celebrate the year and celebrate our own achievements and celebrate religious plurality that’s what it’s all about for me,“ Minister of Satan Bender Bones told the outlet.
TST members across Michigan united to create their State Capitol holiday display. Lansing’s TST Candidate congregation crafted the goat with help from TST West Michigan and TST Detroit.
Stop by the Capitol to view our Michigan congregations’ display! pic.twitter.com/xCdumh8NCs
— The Satanic Temple (@satanic_temple_) December 19, 2023
The displays were created by three local TST chapters, “Lansing’s TST Candidate congregation, TST West Michigan and TST Detroit,” according to the post. Robert Blackshaw, executive director for the Michigan State Capitol Commission, told the Daily Caller News Foundation that TST had filled out the necessary paperwork to have the display but that it must be removed each day at 11 p.m.
“Our policy allows displays on the outside from 6am to 11pm each day,” Blackshaw said. “The display must be removed after these hours. Our policy does not allow for inside displays.”
TST also has a display of a Sol Invictus tree, a Roman pagan celebration of the sun god, at the National Railroad Museum in Wisconsin, according to a post.
Visit the National Railroad Museum & witness the remarkable Sol Invictus tree display by TST Wisconsin. This inclusion in the annual holiday display is a testament to the recognition and appreciation of our congregations’ community involvement! pic.twitter.com/xkPN63WEpA
— The Satanic Temple (@satanic_temple_) November 29, 2023
TST also put up a display of the “Serpent of Genesis” in December 2022 at the Illinois State Capitol building alongside a Christian nativity scene.
TST is currently raising funds to rebuild its display at the Iowa State Capitol building and has received 77 contributions, according to its donation website. The statue received significant criticism, prompting elected officials, including Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, to put out a statement on the issue.
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