The Satanic Temple of Iowa set up an altar on the first floor of the Iowa state Capitol building as a form of free speech and religious freedom, the Des Moines Register reported. In response, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) insisted that the display is part of a "free society" and was blasted for her words.
The Satanic Temple allegedly received permission and followed protocol to get the display set up. It features many candles, the Satanic Temple logo and a red-caped figure that represents the pagan idol, Baphomet. The figure also has a silver ram’s head, and the display highlights the “seven fundamental tenets” of Satanism.
According to a local news report, the department of administrative services said, “there’s a procedure to apply for getting to have [a] display” at the statehouse and the Satanic Temple did follow it.
Satanic display featuring demonic ram in a red cloak is set up in the Iowa Statehouse as "an expression of religious freedom."
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) December 12, 2023
pic.twitter.com/bQsE62IkXl
Amid the announcement, Reynolds stated that the display is “absolutely objectionable,” and though she herself disagrees with the teachings of The Satanic Temple, she insisted that her only response can be to pray.
“In a free society, the best response to objectionable speech is more speech, and I encourage all those of faith to join me today in praying over the Capitol and recognizing the nativity scene that will be on display ― the true reason for the season,” she said.
State Rep. Brad Sherman (R-Williamsburg) “called it unconstitutional and called for it to be taken down,” the Des Moines Register noted.
Reports allege that there is a nativity scene in the Capitol but personally, this Satanic display really shouldn’t be allowed. “Tolerance has its limits,” one user commented on X. Others went straight to blasting Gov. Reynolds.
"I think it's time we find a new governor. This Satanic statue at our capitol shows how weak she is on fighting for Iowan's," a user wrote on X.
Another commented, "Why is there a Satanic altar in the capital building?" on one of Reynolds posts.
Conservative commentator Jack Posobiec even spoke with The Federalist's Evita Duffy about how Reynolds is "flailing instead of taking action against the Satanic ritual alter in the Iowa State House" during a segment with Real America's Voice:
.@evitaduffy_1 to @JackPosobiec on the Satanic Temple: "They are very much a religion of marxism, of modern leftism." pic.twitter.com/Qp3bRhHCCq
— Human Events (@HumanEvents) December 12, 2023
Reynolds tried to backstep a little by posting an image praying around a Christmas tree in the Iowa capitol. She was blasted for that, too.
Seems more like proof that good will let evil do whatever the hell it wants and settle for a photo op. https://t.co/YzwsxrTI98
— Cody Derespina (@CDerespina) December 12, 2023
As much as I am an advocate for free speech, this country was built on Christian values, not principles from Satan. This is a mockery of Christianity.
“What a disgrace. Just shows how far the US has fallen,” a user wrote on Twitter, while another added, “Promoting evil isn't freedom of speech.”
