Atheist billboard is moved after threats

CINCINNATI, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- A pro-atheism billboard in Cincinnati was being moved to a different location in response to alleged threats two days after it was put up, sponsors said.

The copy on the billboard reads: "Don't Believe In God? You are not alone." It was put up Tuesday but was taken down Thursday because the owner of the property where it was posted reported receiving threats because of the message, WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, reported Thursday.

Fred Edwords, national director of the United Coalition of Reason, which sponsored the billboard, said the organization was contacted by Lamar Advertising of Cincinnati on behalf of the landowner.

"We weren't given the landowner's identity or precise details," Edwords said. "Nor did we pursue them. It was sufficient to learn that multiple, significant threats had been received and that Lamar would act quickly to alleviate the problem."

"Everything that has happened shows just how vital our message is," Shawn Jeffers, co-coordinator for the Cincinnati Coalition of Reason, said. "It proves our point, that bigotry against people who don't believe in a god is still very real in America."

Jack Jones of Downtown told the TV station he thinks the sign should not be put up.

"It's atheist," he said.