ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The St. Petersburg Police Department is investigating the report of a church sign vandalized.
Someone spray painted "gay pastor" on the marquee outside of Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg.
Police believe it happened overnight Sunday into Monday.
While the graffiti remains, the church has added a message on marquee around it that reads, "love always wins."
"We wanted to turn this message into something really positive," Rev. Andy Oliver told 10News. “So much of the harm that’s done to the LGBTQ community day after day happens invisibly and we wanted to make something very visible but show a positive response to it."
The opposite side of the sign now reads, “Vandalism is a felony that shouldn’t take away your vote for Life! Vote yes on Amendment 4.”
Amendment 4 is up for consideration in Florida in the midterm Nov. 6 election. If passed, it would restore the voting rights of most convicted felons upon completion of their sentences, including prison, parole and probation.
"Even a felony like vandalizing a sign shouldn’t take away your vote for life," Oliver said. "We want to let that person know they’re forgiven and would be welcome here to join us.”
Oliver said it isn't the first time the church's marquee has been vandalized. Someone apparently through a brick through the top of the sign in July.
Following the vandalism in July, enough money was raised by the community to buy a new sign, which is expected to be installed next month, according to Oliver.
Someone writes 'gay pastor' in graffiti on church marquee, police say
10News reporter Josh Sidorowicz contributed to this report.
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