Conservatives are expressing outrage following the revelation that the Satanic Temple has erected an altar on display at the Iowa State Capitol.
The alter, which features a ram’s head and a mannequin wearing red clothing and covered in mirrors, is said to be symbolic of the group’s religious freedom. Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple, defends the altar as a symbolic representation of the group’s right to religious freedom. He emphasizes that their presence in a public forum allows them to be represented.
“We’re going to really relish the opportunity to be represented in a public forum. We don’t have a church on every street corner,” claimed Greaves. “My feeling is if people don’t like our display in public forums, they don’t have to engage with them. They don’t have to view them.”
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, while personally finding the Satanic Temple’s display “objectionable,” defended the group’s right to free speech. She highlighted the importance of responding to objectionable speech with more speech in a free society.
“Like many Iowans, I find the Satanic Temple’s display in the Capitol absolutely objectionable. In a free society, the best response to objectionable speech is more speech, and I encourage all those of faith to join me today in praying over the Capitol and recognizing the nativity scene that will be on display – the true reason for the season.”
Statement released by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds
Much of the backlash regarding this alter has been put on Governor Reynolds. However, it is the Iowa Legislature that has control of the Capitol structure.
According to Iowa House Representative Jon Dunwell, Iowa’s Department of Administrative Services is in charge of management of the capitol building. Displays at the Capitol are open to anyone through an application process that, while having guidelines, does not discriminate based on religion or ideology. Approved displays are permitted for two weeks.
Representative Dunwell explained that when the Satanic Temple applied, their application was approved with certain modifications, as they initially sought to use an actual goat head. Currently, the Iowa Legislature has the authority to set rules and standards for displays, but the operating principle has been to either allow all displays or none.
Dunwell also echoed the sentiment expressed by Governor Reynolds. In a lengthy statement on X, he expressed that as a pastor he finds the display objectionable but as a State Representative he is “guided by the First Amendment.”
“My observation as a follower of Christ, I certainly find a display from the Satanic Temple objectionable. It stands in direct opposition to my faith and would be classified as evil. Not a new experience for me or my family. The Word of God continually warns about the dangers in our world. In fairness, many other religions or non-religious people have the same perspective about Christianity.”
“My observation as an Iowan and a State Representative, I don’t want the state evaluating and making determinations about religions. I am guided by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.”
Iowa House Representative Jon Dunwell
