"Satanic Temple Faces Vandalism and Controversy in Iowa Capitol"
The Satanic Temple of Iowa announced that a statue of the pagan idol Baphomet, part of its controversial holiday display in the Iowa Capitol, has been destroyed beyond repair. The group did not disclose the identity of the vandal(s). While some politicians have called for the display's removal, others argue that it is protected under free speech. Despite the destruction, the Satanic Temple plans to keep the remaining parts of the display, including an altar displaying the temple's seal and the seven tenets of Satanism, for the allotted time. The founder of the Satanic Temple called the vandalism a "hate crime" and criticized those who vandalized the display.