‘HAIL SATAN!': Controversial Holiday Display Shocks Minnesota Capitol

The Minnesota State Capitol has seen its share of holiday displays over the years, but this one is turning heads, and sparking some heated debates.

A group calling itself Minnesota Satanists has set up a holiday display in St. Paul featuring a phoenix rising, an inverted pentagram, and a reference to “The Mass of the Phoenix,” a ritual associated with famed British occultist Aleister Crowley.

And, as you might expect, not everyone is thrilled.

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Minnesota Lawmakers Criticize Satanic Display

Criticism rolled in quickly, particularly from Republican lawmakers. State Rep. Tom Emmer took to social media to question Governor Tim Walz’s decision to allow the display, asking: "Is there anything Tim Walz won’t do to insult Minnesotans?"

The group proudly announced the display on their Facebook page, sharing their enthusiasm for what they see as a win for religious inclusion. Their post read: "Thanks to all the hard work from our Congregation, especially Calcifer, for helping us set up Minnesota Satanists' first-ever holiday display at the state Capitol in Saint Paul!"

 A First for Satan in Minnesota

Minnesota Joins Other States Dealing With Satanic Displays

Similar controversies have popped up in other states. Earlier this year, a Satanic statue in front of the New Hampshire State House was vandalized within 48 hours. Meanwhile, the Satanic Temple of Iowa recently had its holiday event canceled by state officials, who cited concerns about content being harmful to minors.

A spokesperson for Gov. Walz told WCCO, "The First Amendment means that he does not police speech in the State Capitol. That's true whether it's a religious display, a political protest, or a Minnesotan advocating for a policy."