Anti-Gay Billboard Citing Bible Passage In Tennessee Sparks Local Controversy

LOOK: Anti-Gay Billboard Divides Tennessee Residents

Residents are divided over the appearance of a controversial billboard with an anti-gay sentiment in Tennessee.

As WZTV Fox 17 is reporting, the billboard -- which is situated in the town of Portland -- quotes a biblical passage from Leviticus 18:22.

"You shall not lie with a man as with a woman," the billboard, which was purchased by "concerned Christians," reads. "It is an abomination."

Reaction to the billboard was mixed, according to the news network. "That's how they feel," one resident said. "If the opposite side wants to put something up it's their business."

It isn't the first time that a billboard has generated headlines for seemingly anti-gay language. Earlier this year, Kentucky's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community were angered by the appearance of a bizarre advertisement that appeared to promote an "ex-gay" ministry called Abba's Delight.

In 2012, Ohio's Southwest Baptist Church displayed a billboard which read, "Homosexuality is sin...but Christ can set you free."

Meanwhile, the church's pastor argued the message was not "hateful," telling Action News 19, "We feel that silence on the issue is probably the most hateful thing you can do."

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