Satanists Reveal New Statue for OK Capitol
A group of Satanists are moving forward with a proposal to place a Satanic monument on the Oklahoma Statehouse steps, and they've just released a rendering of what it might look like.
The 7-foot-tall statue depicts a goat-headed horned figure representing Satan with other symbols often used by the occult, like a pentagram-adorned throne where Satan is positioned sitting with smiling children next to him, the Associated Press reported.
The New York-based group, The Satanic Temple, has just formally submitted their application to build the statue. They say it would serve to "separate religion from superstitution."
"The monument has been designed to reflect the views of Satanists in Oklahoma City and beyond," temple spokesman Lucien Greaves said in a statement. "The statue will also have a functional purpose as a chair where people of all ages may sit on the lap of Satan for inspiration and contemplation."
They also argued the decision to display a Ten Commandments monument at the Statehouse opens the door for other monuments.
Conservative leaders in Oklahoma believe the request will be denied.
"I think you've got to remember where you are. This is Oklahoma, the middle of the heartland," Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon said. "I think we need to be tolerant of people who think different than us, but this is Oklahoma, and that's not going to fly here."
Meanwhile, other legislators like Rep. Earl Sears, R-Bartlesville, call the request "an insult to the good people of the state."
"I do not see Satanism as a religion, and they have no place at the state Capitol," Sears said.
The controversial group is not the only organization asking to erect a monument. A Hindu leader in Nevada, an animal rights group and the satirical Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster have also submitted requests, according to the Associated Press.
In response, the Oklahoma Capitol Preservation Commission placed a moratorium on the consideration of all new requests.
"Anybody can still make their request, but we'll hold off on considering them until the lawsuit is adjudicated," commission Chairman Trait Thompson said.
