From Associated Press – Six men have complained to a state agency that Athol officials banned their “death metal” group from events because of their religious leanings.

The men, members of a local band called Necronomichrist, each filed complaints with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination last month.

They say Athol leaders prohibited them from playing at fundraisers for a local skate park because some band members are Satanists, agnostics, Buddhist and atheist.

Town selectmen approved a written rebuttal Tuesday and will send it to the agency this week.

The town’s attorney says the concerns had nothing to do with religion. He says the event organizers did not invite the band because they worried its hardcore music could be inappropriate for children.