Satanist And Christian Holiday Displays To Go Up At Michigan Capitol

Two very different holiday displays will share the grounds of the Michigan State Capitol next week: a traditional Christian Nativity and an exhibit by the Satanic Temple. The situation has brought controversy — and energized Christians who realized that a planned Nativity was in danger of being canceled.

The story drew intense attention after it emerged that there was a chance the Capitol grounds might host only a Satanic holiday display during the Christmas season, because plans for a Christian display didn't take into account Michigan's rules.

The Detroit chapter of the Satanic Temple had sought to put up its exhibit as a message about religious freedom and inclusiveness, as a counterweight to the Christian Nativity (the group is putting up a similar display at Florida's Capitol rotunda).