‘Catholic Warrior’ Vandalizes Satanic Display

When it comes to government property, there are rules about displays of a religious nature. Since the government, under the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, cannot endorse one religion over others, the simplest way to handle it is simply to not have religious iconography on government property. But for some, that’s not satisfying enough. So, to allow these (typically) Christian icons to be displayed, for example, in a capitol building, there must be equal opportunity for other religions to include their symbols as well. And thus, we come to today in Florida, where a Satanist display was vandalized?by a self-professed “Catholic Warrior.”

The Satanic Temple's display in the Florida Capitol Building, prior to being vandalized.
The Satanic Temple’s display in the Florida Capitol Building, prior to being vandalized.

Seeing as?the Christian Christmas is the only holiday in December worth mentioning,?one woman had to do something about the horrific Satanic display. Ignoring the Atheist and Flying Spaghetti Monster displays,?Susan Hemeryck, 54, attempted to appeal to powers that be allowed to remove the Satanists’ display. When told no, she did what any grown adult would do: she began to tear up the display in a temper tantrum fit for a toddler. TribLIVE reported:

?It’s just wrong, when you remove baby Jesus two days before Christmas and put Satan in his place ? that just can’t happen. I couldn’t allow it to happen,? said Hemeryck, who said she was wearing a shirt that said ?Catholic Warrior? when she arrived at the Capitol. ?I was there at the right time and the right moment, and I needed to take a stand against Satan.?

Interesting to note, there was a Nativity Scene nearby in the same “free speech zone” where the other displays were, so the context for “when you remove baby Jesus” is not known. At any rate, the woman was arrested on a criminal mischief charge.

Susan Hemeryck was arrested on charges of criminal mischief after vandalizing a Satanic display.
Susan Hemeryck was arrested on charges of criminal mischief after vandalizing a Satanic display.

Now, before everyone takes to the comments to say it, let me address this: yes, I know not all Christians would go up there and tear up someone else’s display. However, I will say that Hemeryck’s actions are indicative of the ever-present notion of Christian supremacy. The Constitution protects the rights of?all to worship whenever, wherever, and whomever they see fit. The notion that only Christians are afforded the luxury of religious freedom is bizarre and nonsensical.

As a note, the aforementioned Satanic Temple is actually an atheistic satire group that acts against religious displays on government property. The display was set up to ensure that more than just the Christian viewpoint would actually be allowed, as in previous years, there was difficulty getting Florida’s capitol building to accept non-Christian displays. The display in question was rejected last year for allegedly being offensive. After Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a church-state separation watchdog group, threatened legal action, the display was accepted this year.

Let us know your thoughts at the Liberal America Facebook page. Sign up for our free daily newsletter to receive more great stories like this one.

 

David Pham is a proud Gaytheist and Gaymer, and an Iraq Veteran who staunchly supports LGBT rights and the separation of church and state. When not reading or researching, he's usually found with his nose in his Kindle or Wii U Gamepad. He studies Psychology with the intent to provide therapy to Veterans and teach at the college level.