Results: 'Disgusting' Satanic Temple display at state capitol in Iowa sparks free speech battle

Last week, a group that calls itself the Satanic Temple of Iowa placed with state permission a small altar on the first floor of the Iowa State Capitol. It displays what are described online as the "seven fundamental tenets" of Satanism, including the statement that "the freedoms of others should be respected, including the freedom to offend." Completing the display are the temple's seal, electric candles and a caped figure representing the pagan idol Baphomet, holding a ribbon-bedecked pentangle and topped with a gilded ram's head. Outrage and demands for removal came swiftly. "I would rather have an evil blasphemous display or no display at all than have the state dictate what they think is appropriate," said State Rep. Jon Dunwell. "I think this is a test," said Rep. Steve Holt, of the current satanic display. "I think this is really a test of just how, how strong your allegiance is to the Constitution and the concepts of free speech and free religion. It's easy to say you believe in those things when the speech is not that objectionable to you. But when the speech is really, really highly objectionable and offensive, unless it otherwise breaks the law, are you going to stand up for the constitutional rights of others or are you not?" Do you think the altar should stay?

Iowa state Rep. Brad Sherman said in the Dec. 8 edition of his Sherman Liberty Letter that the "disgusting display" should be removed immediately and called "for clarifying legislation to be adopted in accordance with our State Constitution that prohibits satanic displays in our Capitol building and on all state owned property." Do you think satanic displays should be prohibited on all state owned property.?

Sherman further proposed additional legislation to clear the way for displaying the Ten Commandments in all state buildings, including the Capitol, and in Iowa public schools. Do you think the Ten Commandments should be displayed in either?