The Satanic Temple has revealed their designs for 7-foot-tall statue of Satan, which the New York based group wants placed next to the Ten Commandments monument in at the Oklahoma state Capitol, according to The Associated Press.
"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."
The artistic rendering portrays Satan as Baphomet, who is typically described as having a head of a goat with a long beard, horns and wings, while sitting on a pentagram-adorned throne. Two children are standing next to Satan, starring adoringly at the satanic symbol. The group has $19,116 of the $20,000 needed to erect the statue, according to AP.
"The mission of The Satanic Temple is to encourage benevolence and empathy among all people. In addition, we embrace practical common sense and justice. As Satanists we all should be guided by our conscience to undertake noble pursuits guided by our individual wills. We believe that this is the hope of all mankind and the highest aspiration of humanity," The Satanic Temple stated on their official website.
The satanic group has officially submitted their request to place the statue, but the Oklahoma Capitol Preservation Commission recently placed a moratorium on processing them, according to AP.
"Anybody can still make their request, but we'll hold off on considering them until the lawsuit is adjudicated," commission Chairman Trait Thompson told AP.
However, Rep. Don Armes believes the push to place the satanic statue will be in vein because of the "Bible Belt" would never approve it. (Click here to view the statue designs)
"I think you've got to remember where you are. This is Oklahoma, the middle of the heartland," said Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon. "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."
