Post by Joanna on Dec 23, 2013 19:10:03 GMT -5
Satanic display deemed 'offensive'
The state Department of Management Services on Wednesday denied an attempt by "Satanists" to put up a display in the Florida Capitol, which currently showcases a Nativity scene, a Festivus pole made of beer cans, posters from atheists, and a crudely made Flying Spaghetti Monster.
"The department's position is that your proposed display is grossly offensive during the holiday season," DMS Administrative Assistant Sherrie K. Routt emailed a group calling itself The Satanic Temple.
Lucien Greaves, a spokesman for the temple, said in an email the group was "surprised and dismayed" by the rejection. However, before possibly challenging the decision, the temple is seeking clarification from DMS as it had initially been advised the display had been approved and that "written confirmation is forthcoming," Greaves said.
The group initially requested putting up a 5-foot-by-5-foot poster that featured "religious symbols and images" December 9. In the application, the group explained the public service intended was to "contribute to the plurality of the community by representing the spirit of good will from other faiths."
The group would later send DMS a photo of the proposed display that bannered the phrase "Happy holidays from the Satanic Temple" atop a diorama of an angel falling into hell. A sign on one side of the display referenced Luke 10:18 including the line, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven."
After the Florida Prayer Network's Christian Nativity scene was set up on the first floor of the Capitol December 3, DMS has approved requests for space in the rotunda for a 6-foot-tall "Festivus" pole made of Pabst Blue Ribbon cans by South Florida political blogger Chaz Stevens and seasonal signs from the Tallahassee Atheists, The American Atheists Florida Regional Directors and the Madison, Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Also, on Tuesday, the department approved a display that included an office chair and shredded paper depicting spaghetti for the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Last January, the "Satanists" drew about six of the self-professed devil worshipers to the steps of the Old Capitol for what they said was an event to praise Gov. Rick Scott – but that was reported to be part of an effort to make a fake documentary.
Source: The Orlando Sentinel, December 19, 2013.
