Large billboards advocating gay Christian tolerance in Indiana have been defaced and sprayed with black paint.

The billboards are part of a large ad campaign by Faith in America, a Raleigh, N.C., group that seeks to end bigotry based on religion. They were sponsored locally by Jesus Metropolitan Community Church in Indianapolis.

"I think it shows the lengths some people will go to suppress ideas rather than have a dialogue," pastor Jeff Minor told the Indianapolis Star.

Faith in America leased the billboard space last week, putting up messages including "Jesus affirmed a gay couple" and "Jesus said some people are born gay."

The local Christians were predictably critical of Faith in America's campaign, suggesting that the gay group has misinterpreted the Bible and distorted scripture for a pro-gay agenda.

The Rev. Andy Hunt of Body of Christ Community Church, however, criticized the vandalism.

Acknowledging resentment of the ads, he said, "It ignites passions whenever someone brings a lie against the God you worship," Hunt told the Indianapolis Star. "But we can't go down to their level." (Hassan Mirza, Gay.com U.K.)

Published by BIG Picture Media Group, Inc.

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