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Satanists, Christians compete for attention at Michigan statehouse

The Satanic display at the Michigan statehouse bears a sign, "The greatest gift is knowledge."

By Frances Burns

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 22 (UPI) -- A snake wrapped round a cross and a Christian nativity scene compete for attention this week at the Michigan Statehouse in Lansing.

The display put up by the Satanic Temple's Detroit chapter, bears a sign, "The greatest gift is knowledge," and a Satanic pentagram. The snake carries as a gift a book titled "Revolt of the Angels."

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The "Snaketivity" has a permit to remain up through Tuesday, while the nativity scene, organized by Republican state Sen. Rick Jones, will be on display through Friday.

"I think that this holiday season is a time of year that is celebrated in many different ways. 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," said Jex Blackmore, a Satanic Temple spokeswoman. "We wanted to add to that conversation by having our representation of how we may celebrate this time of year."

The nativity scene was put up Friday and the Satanic display on Sunday. Capitol police said there was a steady stream of apparently curious onlookers throughout the day Sunday but no signs off organized protest.

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Martin Diller, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Michigan National Guard, visited the Satanic display immediately after Sunday Mass at a Lansing-area Catholic church.

"A few of my friends in the military, we like to see the First Amendment in use," Diller said. "We all went overseas, we fought for it, it's kind of interesting to see it in action."

Blackmore also said there was no "pushback" and suggested the dueling displays could become a "new holiday tradition" at the statehouse.

The Satanic Temple began making plans after learning that a group outside Michigan was planning a Christmas display in Lansing. Jones stepped in when the outside group's plans fell through. He accused the temple of trying to offend.

"They could have put theirs up in July or April or sometime. They didn't need to put it up in the Christmas season," Jones said. "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."

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