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Sharing space on the state capitol lawn

Satanic Temple

The Michigan State Police will keep an eye on Christian and Satanicdisplays on the state capitol lawn in the days leading up to Christmas.

Christian groups were outraged when permission was given for a display honoring Satan to be placed on the east lawn just before Christmas.   

Arrangements were quickly made for a nativity scene to share the space. 

Despite the passions raised, Lt. Brody Boucher, commander of the Michigan State Police capitol security section, does not expect a problem.

“We would just ask anybody that chooses to come and support or oppose any of the causes that they do that within the groundwork of the right to peacefully assemble,” says Boucher. 

The Christian nativity display was set up for the first time Friday. The display by the Satanic Temple of Detroit is scheduled to go up on Sunday morning. 

Both displays must be removed at night and reassembled each morning.  

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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