Broadcaster CBS4 in Denver reports that Luigi and Angie Bellaviste displayed the sign on their front porch. The couple describe themselves as Satanists who belong to the Church of Satan, an organisation ‘dedicated to the acceptance of man’s true nature – that of a carnal beast’.
The couple claim that the sign was torn down in an attack on their religious beliefs. Mr Bellaviste said ‘I feel like we’re being treated unfairly because it’s not a so-called mainstream religion.’ Ms Bellaviste added: ‘I know of people that have the Virgin Mary in their yard and tons of Jesus, Love Jesus, I Love Jesus. What’s the difference?’
Police have stated their view that religious belief had nothing to do with the attack and the crime is being treated as simple theft, adding that they have no suspects so far.