Now that the Freedom From Religion Foundation has put up an atheist plaque in the Olympia, Washington Capitol building, guess who else wants to join them?
The emotional saga over religious displays at Washington’s state capitol grew even more bizarre today, as a controversial Kansas group requested permission to put up a sign titled “Santa Claus Will Take You to Hell.”
The Westboro Baptist Church, which spreads its virulently anti-gay message by demonstrating at funerals and high-profile events, wants the sign posted near a nativity scene and atheist sign at the capitol.
The sign claims that “God’s hate” is to blame for the weak economy, that Santa’s a child molester, and that the deaths of U.S. troops are somehow the fault of Santa.
“Holy cow,” said Steve Valandra, a spokesman for Washington’s Department of General Administration, when e-mailed the text. “I guess we’ll consider it like all the other requests.”
That’s what happens when you let anyone and everyone put their displays on public property.
Let’s say it all together now: “Thanks, Alliance Defense Fund!”
I’m all for removing the signs altogether (FFRF included) if we can keep the Capitol building religion-free as it should be.
Though by doing this, I would be denied the greatest display of them all:
Another Kansas group, the KC Free Thinkers, wants permission to put up a display celebrating a tongue-in-cheek deity named The Flying Spaghetti Monster.
I apologize, Your Noodliness.
