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Satanic Temple Plans Pentagram In Lancaster As Part Of 6/6/16 'Ritual'

LANCASTER (CBSLA.com) — It's June 6, 2016, for most Angelenos, but for members of the Satanic Temple of Los Angeles, Monday is a very special day.

As part of a commemoration of 6/6/16, Satanists have announced plans to perform an "introductory Satanic ritual" by using GPS technology to outline a five-pointed star - also known as a pentagram - around the city of Lancaster, according to a press release from the Temple.

A copy of the "The Seven Tenets" - which the group says "reflect(s) the core beliefs of The Satanic Temple" - will also be presented at City Hall at around 3 p.m., according to the group, which reportedly has about a dozen members.

The group says the ritual is a "symbol of protection from evil" and "represents a solemn promise" to Lancaster residents.

"We will stand with the good people of The City of Lancaster and struggle for our constitutional right to individual liberty, freedom of expression, and the separation of church and state in your community," the group said in a statement.

A post on the group's Facebook page accused Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris of spreading "harmful bigotry" and claims the mayor has hired a skywriting plane to "draw a cross in the sky above the city while we are there."

Parris is known for his unorthodox style and has drawn criticism in recent years by saying he was growing Lancaster into a Christian community and helping pass a law that allows city authorities to to castrate pit bulls.

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