An anti-gay, religious billboard on Highway 52 in Tennessee has sparked controversy and infuriated a number of local residents. The billboard was commissioned by war veteran Rodney Monday four months ago, when he and a few of his friends, referring to themselves as ‘Concerned Christians,’ pooled some funds with hopes of quoting a Biblical passage that would be displayed in a public space in Portland.
“You shall not lie with a man as with a woman. It is an abomination,” reads the billboard, purportedly signed by ‘GOD.’ “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin.”
Monday said it was important for him and his friends to emphasize the unacceptability of homosexual behaviour after President Barack Obama voiced his support for marriage equality in 2012.
“When the president came out and indicated that he thought that gay marriage was OK, that was pretty much the last straw,” said Monday.
Ken Wilber, Mayor of Portland, said one local resident called his office to complain about a billboard that was not fit for today’s generation, reiterating it was inappropriate and sent out a bad message. However, Wilber pointed out that the First Amendment guarantees everyone freedom of speech and religion, even those who may offend others while speaking their mind or practicing their religion.
“As long as it's not lewd or anything like that, we do not control the messages of the signs,” he said.
Chris Sanders, executive director of Tennessee Equality Project, agreed that Monday was protected by his First Amendment rights to install the billboard but questioned whether Tennesseans really did want to project a message as offensive as Monday’s. Sanders said Monday could have installed a message of tolerance and acceptance instead.
“It’s a free country. The man has the right to put it up there. We're not questioning that; we're questioning whether it's the right message. ... We hate to see anything in a community that encourages that kind of divisiveness, picking on people,” said Sanders.
It may be a while before the religious debate that revolves around this controversial billboard dies out, since Monday has already renewed its lease for another six months.
Photo Credit: Clarksville Now
