Image of Hindu deity sparks protest in northern Idaho

[rug]

(Reuters) - A group of self-described constitutionalists protested on Friday a northern Idaho city's dedication of a sculpture depicting a Hindu deity.

On its website, the Kootenai County Constitution Party called on Christians to vent their dismay about the "abomination" on a street in Coeur d'Alene and lashed out at local arts officials as a "godless group."

"Ganesha," a blue-hued metal sculpture by Spokane, Washington artist Rick Davis, represents the multi-armed, elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha.

It is one of 15 loaned artworks to be dedicated by Coeur d'Alene and arts commission officials Friday evening, the kickoff of a program that underwrites the year-long display in public spaces of sculptures that are available for purchase.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/11/us-hindu-idaho-idUSTRE75A07N20110611