Minnesota for Marriage Billboard Vandalized
A billboard posted by an organization in Minnesota supporting a state referendum initiative that would define marriage as being between one man and one woman was recently vandalized.
Minnesota for Marriage reported that one of their VOTE YES billboards in Minneapolis was vandalized sometime during the weekend.
John Helmberger, Chairman of Minnesota for Marriage, said in a statement released Monday that the vandalism was evidence of what could happen should the marriage definition amendment fail.
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"This kind of disrespect is a perfect example of what Minnesotans, who simply believe marriage is between one man and one woman, can expect if marriage is redefined," said Helmberger.
"Without the Minnesota Marriage Protection Amendment, we run the risk of allowing judges and politicians to turn our state into the next Vermont or Massachusetts. Only by passing the Amendment do we ensure that voters always have control over the definition of marriage."
Chuck Darrell, communications director for Minnesota for Marriage, told The Christian Post that this was not the first time one of their displays had been vandalized.
"We have seen hundreds of signs either stolen or vandalized," said Darrell.
The billboard vandalized was one of many posted in September by Minnesota for Marriage as part of their campaign to pass a referendum on marriage definition in the state.
"The billboards are an important segment of our campaign as they inform the voter that a Yes vote is a vote that protects marriage as between a man and a woman and that kids need a mother and a father," said Darrell in an earlier interview with The Christian Post.
"Most of the 20 plus billboards are being placed throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Billboards have also been placed in St. Cloud, Rochester and Duluth."
The vandalism of the billboard comes as Minnesota for Marriage launched its TV ad campaign in the state in favor of the constitutional amendment defining marriage as being between one man and one woman.
Richard Carlbom, Campaign Manager for the pro-same-sex marriage group Minnesotans United for All Families, released a statement in response to the new TV ad campaign.
"Supporters of the marriage amendment continue to try to mislead voters about what's at stake with this amendment," said Carlbom.
"Gay and lesbian couples want to marry for similar reasons to anyone else, and none of us would want to be told it's illegal to marry the person we love."
Darrell of Minnesota for Marriage told CP that the vandalism was such that the ad "was removed this morning and we believe it will be replaced with a fresh ad soon."
Minnesotans United for All Families did not return comment to The Christian Post by press time.
