Free speech is the bedrock of American democracy, a cornerstone of liberty so vital that our founders enshrined it in the First Amendment to the Constitution.
But what happens when this sacred right is twisted into a spectacle?
Last month, the Satanic Temple demonstrated just that, turning the State House plaza in Concord, New Hampshire, into a stage for controversy rather than conversation.
For these activists, a Nativity scene erected by the Knights of Columbus commemorating the birth of Jesus, the very namesake of Christmas (and, yes, Christmas is a federally recognized public holiday in the United States), was just too much for their delicate sensitivities.
Rather than simply ignoring it, the Satanic Temple opted for something far more theatrical: commandeering a public space during a sacred season with symbols designed to provoke outrage and, most importantly, generate headlines.
Under the guise of "free speech" and with the looming threat of burdensome legal battles, city leaders in Concord folded, permitting Temple members to erect a statue of Baphomet right next to Jesus and company.
For those reading this who are not familiar with the Satanic Temple, Baphomet is a goat-headed, angel-winged humanoid — and one Temple members have used in the past to protest public religious displays like the Ten Commandments.
As a defender of the Constitution, I initially supported the Temple's actions, even though I considered the group's display to be in bad taste.
However, as this story unfolded and more details emerged, it became apparent that this stunt had nothing to do with "religious equity" or free speech.
It was about public relations and self-promotion.
Above all, it was about getting a rise out of Christians nationwide.
If you don't believe me, look no further than the mastermind behind the display, state Rep. Ellen Read, a Democrat.
Read, a self-proclaimed member of the Satanic Temple, hatched the plan under the pretense of "balance" because she didn't want a Nativity scene to be the "only display" on State House grounds.
It seems Read had never thought of Hanukkah, which coincidently began on Christmas Day, or Bodhi Day, which was celebrated early last month by Buddhists. A menorah or a tribute to another faith wouldn't have generated the same media frenzy as a statue installed by Satanists.
To be clear, this isn't to say that free speech protections don't apply here. They do.
But just because something is legal doesn't make it noble or productive. The Satanic Temple's goal wasn't to create religious equity — it was to create conflict, baiting Christians into a reaction.
The irony is that the Satanic Temple's very premise undercuts its claim to religious legitimacy.
The Temple's own webpage states that members don't believe in Satan. Instead, they believe in "reason, empathy and the pursuit of knowledge" to promote secularism.
The statue of Baphomet wasn't about faith or worship — it was about shock value.
If Rep. Read's true concern were religious equity, she'd have invited local Jewish, Buddhist, and Muslim leaders to add their own displays to the plaza. Instead, she brought in the one "religious" group known for its trolling antics.
None of this is to suggest that religious pluralism or free speech is a bad thing. It's what this country was founded upon.
There's a valid place for public recognition of multiple faiths. But that's not what happened here.
The Nativity scene is not an act of aggression. It is not a message of exclusion.
It's a quiet tribute to a moment in history that is foundational to Western civilization and observed by billions every year.
Contrast that with the Baphomet display, a figure synonymous with mockery. The very point of the display was to antagonize.
If religious equity was the true goal, let's see the Satanic Temple apply for space on Diwali or Ramadan. But you'll notice they won't.
So what's the solution? It's not to react with rage.
That's exactly what the Satanic Temple wanted. It's to recognize the stunt for what it was: a cry for relevance.
The Christmas season should be a time for reflection and generosity, not spectacle, provocation and litigation.
The Nativity scene embodies the former. The Baphomet display embodies the latter.
There's no equivalence between the two.
Jacob Lane is a Republican strategist and school choice activist. He has worked for GOP campaigns at the federal, state and local levels, as well as with various PACs and nonprofits. Read Jacob Lane's Reports — More Here.