(AP) – Arkansas officials have canceled a hearing on a
satanic monument proposed near the state Capitol, saying a new law prevents them
from considering the display until it’s approved by the Legislature.
The secretary of state’s office sent a letter Thursday to the Satanic Temple
saying a bill signed into law this week prevents the Capitol Arts and Grounds
Commission from considering the proposed Baphomet statue. A hearing had been
scheduled in May for the monument, which was proposed in response to a Ten
Commandments display lawmakers authorized in 2015.
The Temple argued the new law shouldn’t apply retroactively to its proposal
and said a lawsuit over the decision was “imminent.”
Previous law allowed the commission to consider monument proposals and issue
recommendations, although none could be built without legislative approval.
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