Flying Spaghetti Monster in the Wisconsin State Capitol

During the Christmas season each year, the Wisconsin State Capitol rotunda becomes dominated by many religious displays. This Includes a towering Christmas tree directly in the middle of the capitol. To counteract these displays, Atheists, Humanists, and Agnostics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (AHA) put up our own display to represent the secular community and promote the separation of church and state.

The display for this holiday season includes a picture of a typical nativity scene. What is not so typical about this scene is that the infamous Flying Spaghetti Monster has taken the place of where baby Jesus normally is! The sign reads: "Think this is ridiculous? We agree! Religious ideas should not be promoted within the halls of government. Protect the separation of church and state, it protects us all".

Close up of the sign after being displayed

President, Emily Pyszora shared her thoughts on the display saying that, "It is vital for the secular voices of Wisconsin to be represented within our government." Another goal of this display is to inspire others through the work of AHA. Pyszora explains, "I hope that those who visit the capitol during the holiday season will be able to see themselves represented in our display. If not, I hope that those who are religious or not secular identifying are able too to understand why there is still a need and fight to be had for the separation of church and state". 

AHA has been no stranger to sharing the secular thought in the capitol. Here is what was displayed this past Spring around Easter. The sign was representing that Easter, for those who are not Christian, is like any other day. 

Display placed in the halls of the Wisconsin State Capitol