Lansing, MI — The Satanic Temple will erect its own Satanic display on the Capitol grounds in Lansing this holiday season.
The Michigan State Capitol Commission approved the display, which the Detroit-based group calls a Snaketivity Scene. It features a Satanic crucifix with the words “The Greatest Gift is Knowledge.”
A red snake and book are also part of the display that will be up from Dec. 21-23.
On its Facebook page, the group states that, “just as the Nativity represents a mythology of the birth of Christ, the Snake is symbolic of the birth human enlightenment and liberation.”
In the meantime, State Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge said he and his volunteer group are looking to put a Nativity on the grounds as well.
The Michigan State Capitol Commission had approved plans for one, but those plans didn’t move forward because the backer was from out of state, and couldn’t find someone to put up and tear down the display every day.
Permanent displays are not allowed at the Capitol. Sen. Jones says he will find someone to maintain the display.
WNEM has also learned that just this morning another Christian group applied to display a traditional Nativity at the site. John Truscott of the State Capitol Commission said he expects their permit to be approved by the end of the day.
