Iowa governor calls satanic display inside Capitol building 'absolutely objectionable'
If you are visiting the Iowa Statehouse you might see a holiday display set up by the Satanic Temple.
It features a ram's head covered with mirrors on a mannequin cloaked in red clothing.
Lucien Greaves, co-founder of the Satanic Temple, says this satanic display is a symbol of their right to religious freedom.
"We're going to really relish the opportunity to be represented in a public forum. We don't have a church on every street corner," Greaves said.
Greaves says if you don't like it, don't look at it.
"My feeling is if people don't like our display in public forums, they don't have to engage with them. They don't have to view them," Greaves said.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds released this statement about the display on Tuesday: "Like many Iowans, I find the Satanic Temple’s display in the Capitol absolutely objectionable. In a free society, the best response to objectionable speech is more speech, and I encourage all those of faith to join me today in praying over the Capitol and recognizing the nativity scene that will be on display – the true reason for the season."
WATCH: Iowa governor calls satanic display inside Capitol building 'absolutely objectionable'
Shellie Flockhart from Dallas Center says she was shocked to see at the capitol.
"It's a very dark, evil force, and I truly hope people know how to battle that," Flockhart said.
Flockhart organized a prayer group on Wednesday around the Christmas tree in the center of the rotunda to oppose the satanic display near the stairwell.
She calls it dark and evil and says Christians should spiritually fight against it.
"I hope that people realize spiritual warfare is real. That there are evil satanic forces that are trying to infiltrate our state," she said.
The Satanic Temple says the display will be up through Friday, Dec. 15.
The Satanic Temple says it is a federally recognized non-theistic group, that uses satanic symbols as a way to convey its message. Their website says the group does not worship Satan or believe in the existence of Satan.