Atheism Banner Stolen In 48 Hours

A banner promoting atheism was stolen less than 48 hours after being placed in an Illinois public park alongside other signage promoting Easter.

“It is so dismaying to see mob rule prevail,” said Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF co-president. “This vandalism amounts to censorship and suppression of minority viewpoints.” City officials have said they are treating the park as a public forum, and therefore any religious display is allowed. “This crime against our banner shows the harm when a local government purports to create a ‘public forum’ for religion on government property,” Gaylor added “The only viewpoint that is going to be heard in Streater is a Christian viewpoint. There are tax-exempt Christian churches throughout Streater where it is appropriate to place Christian crosses and displays. A public park is not one of them.”