Alongside a nativity scene in Concord, New Hampshire, stands a new black goat-headed figure with horns holding a bouquet of lilacs, the state’s flower, and an apple.
The figure, Baphomet, is from The Satanic Temple’s New Hampshire and Vermont congregation. It was unveiled Saturday as part of Concord’s City Plaza holiday display during the month of December after The Satanic Temple received a permit for the monument.
The Satanic Temple, which opened its first official headquarters in Salem in 2016, and its members don’t view Satan as an evil figure, but as one who dared question authority. It is different from the Church of Satan. The group advocates for the separation of church and state and is known for attempting to get its one-ton goat-headed idol statue put next to the 10 Commandments monument on public grounds.
In Concord, a Bill of Rights scene installed by the Freedom from Religion Foundation is also near the nativity scene.
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The Satanic Temple has been making requests to install its monuments at holiday displays “as part a show of unity and religious pluralism,” the city said in a Facebook post. “Throughout the country, the Satanic Temple has both threatened and brought lawsuits under the First Amendment when excluded.”
In order to “avoid litigation,” the city decided to allow the display, the Facebook post stated. Otherwise, the city would have to ban all holiday displays.
“After reviewing its legal options, the City ultimately decided to continue the policy of allowing unattended displays at City Plaza during this holiday season and to allow the statue,” the city said. “It is anticipated that City Council will review next year whether permits for unattended holiday displays should be allowed at City Plaza.”
The apple in Baphomet‘s hand represents “a quest for knowledge, defiance in the face of arbitrary authority, and our commitment to self-determination,” according to Orpheus Gaur, director of the Satanic Representation Campaign. The seven tenets are also included on a plaque. They include acting with compassion, not distorting scientific facts to fit one’s beliefs and acknowledging that people are fallible.
During the unveiling, which was livestreamed on Facebook, The Satanic Temple Minister Vivian Kelly reminded people how important empathy and compassion are and reiterating some of the seven tenets.
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“Just because we’re not large in number, doesn’t mean our beliefs are less important than any of the other religions represented here,” Kelly said.
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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