The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), an atheist activist non-profit, is advertising a new billboard that uses gay themes to argue against faith in the public sphere. The ad, which reads, “Ban Marriage Between Church and State,” was erected in Smithville, Missouri, in response to a separate, Christian sign reaffirming that marriage is between one man and one woman.
The new 14 by 48 foot atheist ad uses a rainbow, a symbol familiar to the gay community, to make its case. The “Ban Marriage Between Church and State” billboard was recently placed near an ad put up by Catholic Radio that reads, “1 Man, 1 Woman, Forever.”

Smillville resident Matt Gaines employed the FFRF to post the message after he saw the Catholic Radio ad and contended that it is overtly offensive to homosexuals. He also said that it takes aim at any individual who has gone through a divorce, the FFRF web site proclaims.

“To denigrate other people’s relationships or the decisions they have had to make with their outdated religious dogmas is simply shameful,” Gaines is quoted as saying.