A “snaketivity” gifted by the Chicago branch of the Satanic Temple stands in the Illinois Capitol rotunda this month alongside a nativity scene and a menorah.
The so-called “snaketivity” is a statue of an arm holding an apple in its hand and a snake wrapped around the arm. The sign on the piece reads, “Knowledge Is The Greatest Gift.”
A spokesman for Illinois’ secretary of state told the State Journal-Record that the Satanic Temple is recognized as a religious organization, and awarded the same freedoms and rights.
“Under the Constitution, the First Amendment, people have a right to express their feelings, their thoughts,” said Dave Druker. “This recognizes that.”
Near the statue is a sign that explains that there was not much of a choice in displaying the statue.
“The State of Illinois is required by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution to allow temporary, public displays in the state capitol so long as these displays are not paid for by taxpayer dollars,” the sign reads, according to NPR. “Because the first floor of the Capitol Rotunda is a public place, state officials cannot legally censor the content of speech or displays. The United States Supreme Court has held that public officials may legally impose reasonable time, place and manner restrictions regarding displays and speeches, but no regulation can be based on the content of the speech.”
The Satanic Temple started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the display where it said the mission was to “bring Satan to Springfield.”
“The Satanic Temple — Chicago will no longer allow one religious perspective to dominate the discourse in the Illinois State Capitol rotunda during the holiday season,” says the GoFundMe page, which raised its goal of $1,500 for the “snaketivity.”
