CONCORD, N.H. (WCAX) – A holiday display in New Hampshire is causing a stir. A satanic statue in front of the Statehouse that was vandalized last week, is back — a test of free speech in the “Live Free or Die” state.
There is a new holiday display in front of the Statehouse in Concord that is giving people pause.
“Even though I don’t like it, it is certainly not my place to take it down or tell anyone else they have to take it down,” said Tamar Roberts of Bow.
It’s a satanic symbol of a man with a goat-like head that is often associated with the underworld.
“I am somewhat offended by it because I don’t believe in it. As I understand it, it is worshipping the devil,” Roberts said.
A group called The Satanic Temple applied for — and was granted — a permit to display the statute through the city’s code enforcement office.
“They do this purely to get a rise out of people, and they are succeeding,” said Ted Jump from Massachusetts. “It is funny in one sense, it is a little goosebump (expletive) in another sense.”
A statement from the group reads, in part: “The display is not intended to denigrate any other religious traditions but rather bring the community together by affirming that public grounds are open to all who want to commemorate their particular faiths.”
For decades, a nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus Christ has been on display at the Capitol during the holidays.
“If you are going to talk about separation of church and state and you have a nativity scene at the Statehouse but then you don’t allow another religion to have a display at the Statehouse, that is not separation of church and state,” said Olivia Murray, who supports the statue.
The satanic display was vandalized last week and community members put it back together. City officials say the City Council will likely review whether permits for unattended holiday displays will be allowed at City Plaza next year.
“I have mixed emotions. I understand they have their beliefs as well,” said local resident Cynthia Parent.
No matter how you feel about the statue, it won’t be around too much longer. Under the permit, it must be removed before January 1st.