That responsibility extends to any rallies, signs or demonstrations on the Capitol grounds.
John Truscott is one member of the Commission.
Recently, a satanist group followed Capitol procedures for a display on the Capitol lawn. Since the U.S. Constitution protects our First Amendment right to free speech, they have a Constitutional right to do this. Religious speech is also protected by the Constitution. Capitol rules dictate that any display or sign must be less than 3 feet by 3 feet and must be taken down each night.
John Truscott has made numerous statements to the media that he finds the display by the satanists to be repulsive and disgusting – however, the U.S. Constitution leaves the Capitol Commission with no legal authority to deny it.
As a result of this controversy, numerous groups have applied to put a Nativity Scene display or sign on the Capitol lawn and will be approved if they comply with the same rules.
Truscott has said, “it appears the satanists have helped invigorate the Christmas spirit, since we may end up with several Nativity Scenes on the Capitol lawn.”