A Freedom From Religion Foundation banner has been filched from a Virginia public park.
A FFRF Winter Solstice “Let Reason Prevail” banner had been placed earlier this month next to a crèche scene in Nelson Park in Manassas, Va., by a local FFRF member. It stated: “At this Season of the Winter Solstice, LET REASON PREVAIL. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth & superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” The sign was recently stolen.
The banner was taken from its posts. The zip ties used to fasten it had all been cut. FFRF is offering a reward of $1,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s).
“This disgraceful expression of intolerance toward dissenting ideas proves the government can’t successfully host a true public forum on religious views in December,” says FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. “Public parks aren’t safe for minority viewpoints.”
Gaylor urged the city to shut down the “forum” next year.
FFRF is asking its members to help protect our freethought displays throughout the country by making a pledge to FFRF’s Resurrection Pledge Drive each time one of FFRF’s December displays is stolen or destroyed.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is dedicated to the separation of state and church, with 25,000 members nationwide, including more than 500 in Virginia.
