Christopher Behnan

Lansing State (Mich.) Journal

LANSING, Mich. — Visitors to the Michigan Capitol can now can view two interpretations of the Christmas season.

The Detroit chapter of the Satanic Temple set up its "Snaketivity Scene," which features a snake offering a book called Revolt of the Angels as a symbolic gift, just after 7 a.m. Sunday. The snake is wrapped around the Satanic cross on the 3-feet-by-3-feet display.

The group does not worship Satan, but promotes individuality, compassion and views outside Christian and many conservative beliefs, explained Jex Blackmore, Satanic Temple's spokeswoman.

"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 Blackmore, who wore an upside-down Christian cross necklace. "We wanted to add to that conversation by having our representation of how we may celebrate this time of year."

Blackmore said the display also opposes stances in the GOP-led Legislature, including opposition to amending the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include workplace protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Michiganders.

She said she welcomed dialogue, but that she was concerned about threats her group received over social media and personal e-mail. She said threats included burning in hell and being crucified.

Within an hour, state Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, set up his Christian nativity scene on the opposite side of the front Capitol lawn. The Satanic group planned to set up its display after learning of plans for an out-of-state nativity scene. When the out-of-state group's plan fell through, Jones sought a permit for his display.

He personally plans to remove and replace his nativity display daily, as required under state rules for all outdoor displays at the Capitol. He said the Satanist group mounted their display to be "offensive."

"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."

The Satanic Temple's permit runs through Tuesday. Jones' nativity scene is permitted through Friday.

Randy Andrews stopped by the Satanist display on his way to play drums for Cedarway Free Methodist Church. Andrews said the Satanist group is sending the wrong message, regardless of whether it actually worships Satan.

"It's just sad. People underestimate the power of Satan," said Andrews, of Lansing. "There's unseen forces of evil that can start destroying foundation of things that hold up our government."

Dan Brocklehurst, the Capitol facilities director, was on scene in case of any unrest.

"I wanted them to come in early so that they could get it placed without any interference from protesters or anything. I didn't know how many people to expect and I'm glad there's not many here," said Brocklehurst.