'Santa Claus Hell' Sign Latest To Join Capitol Controversy

The Christmas controversy that started with an atheist sign at the state Capitol in Olympia has taken another twist, this one including Santa Claus and Hell.

The Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., said they are express-mailing a sign to Olympia that says, among other things, "Santa Claus will take you to Hell."

The controversial group, which is known for their anti-gay protests around the country, is asking that their sign be put outside the Legislature.

A partial excerpt from the sign reads:

You'd better watch out, get ready to cry You'd better go hide I'm telling you why Cuz Santa Claus will take you to Hell

He is your favorite idol, you worship at his feet But when you stand before your God He won't help you take the heat Santa Claus will take you to Hell

Get this fact straight, you're feeling God's hate Santa's to blame for the economy's fate Santa Claus will take you to Hell

The sign-driven controversy at the state Capitol began when atheists opposed to a Nativity scene in the Rotunda put up a sign saying there is no God.

Sponsored by the Freedom from Religion Foundation, he sign reads, "Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."

It drew nationwide attention after conservative TV personality Bill O'Reilly called the display "political correctness gone mad" in an segment on Fox News and urged viewers to call Gov. Chris Gregoire's office to complain. Viewers did complain, and the governor's office received about 200 calls an hour.

The sign brought protests from Christians who brought their own pro-Christmas signs, which led to a request by one man for a "Festivus" pole to go along with the holiday tree, Menorah and all the signs.

A state agency is reviewing the requests.

Previous Stories: December 8, 2008: Man Wants To Add Festivus Pole To State Capitol December 8, 2008: Atheist Sign Controversy Grows; New Sign Going Up December 7, 2008: Crowd Rallies In Olympia Against Anti-Religion Sign December 5, 2008: Anti-Religion Sign Returned To State Capitol December 3, 2008: Gregoire's Office Deluged With Calls Over Atheist Sign December 1, 2008: Atheist Sign Joins Capitol Holiday Display This Year