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The Satanic Temple's holiday display outside the New Hampshire State House in Concord has been vandalized for the second time in less than two weeks, igniting debates over religious expression and public property use.
Repeated Vandalism of the Satanic Temple's Display
On December 7, 2024, the Satanic Temple unveiled a statue of Baphomet—a half-goat, half-human figure—holding an apple and a bouquet of lilacs, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and the state's official flower. The display also featured the group's Seven Fundamental Tenets. Within 48 hours, the statue was destroyed. After restoration, it was reinstalled, only to be vandalized again on December 19.
Public Reaction and Social Media Responses
The repeated vandalism has sparked diverse reactions online. Twitter user @FreeSpeechAdvocate commented, "Destroying the Satanic Temple's display is a blatant attack on religious freedom." In contrast, @FaithfulNH resident expressed, "Such offensive displays have no place near our State House." User @EqualityForAll noted, "If one religious display is allowed, all should be; vandalism isn't the answer." Meanwhile, @ConcernedParentNH tweeted, "I'm worried about the messages these displays send to our children." Another user, @LiveFreeOrDieNH, observed, "New Hampshire stands for freedom; that includes all religious expressions." Lastly, @PeacefulProtestor stated, "While I disagree with the display, destruction isn't the way to handle it."
City's Stance on Religious Displays
The city of Concord permitted the Satanic Temple's display alongside a Christmas tree and Nativity scene, citing First Amendment rights and the necessity to allow diverse religious expressions to avoid potential litigation. Mayor Byron Champlin expressed concerns, stating, "I opposed the permit because I believe the request was made not in the interest of promoting religious equity, but in order to drive an anti-religious political agenda."
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
Concord police are investigating the vandalism incidents. Members of the Satanic Temple and supporters have restored the display multiple times, emphasizing their commitment to religious plurality and free expression. State Representative Ellen Read, who advocated for the display, stated, "I approached them as a person who cares about equal representation on public grounds for religions."
Broader Implications for Religious Freedom
The destruction of the Satanic Temple's display highlights tensions surrounding religious freedom and the inclusion of minority religious expressions in public spaces. Advocates argue that allowing diverse displays upholds constitutional principles, while opponents view such installations as provocations. The situation in Concord reflects a broader national debate on the boundaries of religious expression and the protection of minority religious rights.
