I am a proud member of the LGBTQ community, living in Butler, PA. There are alarming public billboards in our area (specifically in Fenelton and East Butler). These billboards/signs are being used to spread extreme and contradictory information about queer rights, Jewish rights, basic human rights, racial vocabulary, and Nazi ideology. This is not only confusing but also harmful to our diverse community. The electronic displayed billboard in Armstrong County, Worthington PA has come to public notice when it displayed the “n word,” put up by John Placek. Why are we letting negativity toward - to simply put - humans’ rights, be displayed to the public? 

These billboards are spreading beliefs and specific ideology that often fuels prejudice and discrimination. According to a study by GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), exposure to negative media messages contributes significantly to increased stress levels among LGBTQ individuals. Similarly, the Anti-Defamation League reports that anti-Semitic incidents have been on the rise across America. This is only the beginning of the effects that discriminative publicity can hold. 

We live in a democratic society where everyone has the right to express their opinion freely. However, when these opinions infringe upon others' basic human rights or promote hate ideologies such as Nazism - which led to one of history's most horrific genocides during World War II - it becomes a matter of grave concern.

Butler is home for all its residents regardless of their sexual orientation or religious beliefs. We must ensure that public spaces like billboards reflect this inclusivity rather than promoting divisive ideologies.

Let's stand together against this misuse of public space for spreading harmful propaganda, and instead use it to advertise acceptance to all. Sign this petition today demanding local authorities to take the two billboards down and regulate billboard content more strictly in Butler, PA.