Flying Spaghetti Monster Causing Mayhem Again!

At this time of year we are again reminded of his power over our lives......

Washington state officials placed a moratorium late Friday on permitting any more holiday displays inside the Capitol this year.

An atheists' sign placed near a Nativity scene sparked a controversy after commentators on Fox News drew attention to it. Afterward, Gov. Chris Gregoire's office was flooded with nearly 15,000 phone calls from people nationwide who opposed the sign.

The moratorium in effect denies space to several requests, including one for a sign that says "Santa Claus will take you to Hell" and a "Festivus" pole. Festivus is a mock holiday popularized by the "Seinfeld" sitcom in the 1990s.

A lack of space and a need to rework policy were the reasons for the decision, said Steve Valandra, spokesman for the state Department of General Administration.


"The moratorium applies to pending and any future applications for exhibits and displays. It will remain in effect until General Administration completes a review of its current policy for exhibits and displays for the Legislative Building," a statement issued by GA said.



The decision came a day after a formal application from the controversial Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas, which asked to include a message that included references to Santa, rape and "God's hate." Other requests that will be rejected under the moratorium is a Kansas group's request for a "Flying Spaghetti Monster" display, which is meant as a parody of creationism.