A statue of the pagan god Baphomet erected by the Satanic Temple (TST) at the New Hampshire State Capitol has been vandalized in an apparent act of vandalism.
State Rep. Ellen Reid, D-Newmarket, told Boston.com that the statue, which had been placed near the Nativity scene, was toppled shortly after its unveiling on Saturday. reported. The photo shows only his legs standing, his head and torso lying down, and a tablet listing the seven tenets of the TST is cracked and missing letters.
Police believe someone vandalized the statue between Sunday morning and Monday afternoon, and said they are still investigating.
The Satanic Temple, based in Salem, Massachusetts, received permission to erect the monument after Reed encouraged people to attend the site to represent a “pluralistic society.” Although the state lawmaker is not officially involved with TST and does not design the displays, he reportedly signed up as a member online.
“I have been a long-time supporter of TST in terms of its beliefs and activities,” Mr. Reed said. “Since I'm local, I helped with the permitting process and was also present at the unveiling ceremony.”
Reed said the display was cleaned and removed Tuesday after the incident. She insisted there was “nothing inherently offensive” about the demonic depiction.
“There were accusations that it was meant to denigrate Christians, but there was nothing there that was meant to denigrate Christians,” Reed said. “You don't have to allow religious markings if you don't want to allow it for all religions.”
The city said it approved the permit “to avoid litigation.”
Concord Mayor Byron Champlin criticized the exhibit at a city meeting, saying he did not believe it was well-intentioned.
“I oppose this grant because I believe this request was made to advance an anti-religious political agenda rather than to promote religious equity. “I don't respond well to extortion or threats of litigation,” Champlin said. .
Champlin said he would like to appoint a committee to evaluate how the city should deal with unattended exhibits in the future, according to the report.
