Arson attempted at atheist billboard in NJ
Dec 19, 2013, 2:48 PM
PITMAN, N.J. (AP) – Police say someone tried to torch a billboard in New Jersey that was put up by atheists to protest a “Keep Christ in Christmas” banner.
The billboard proclaims “Keep Saturn in Saturnalia,” a reference to an ancient celebration of the Roman god of agriculture. It’s paid for by the Madison, Wis.-based Freedom from Religion Foundation.
Authorities say it was torched Tuesday night by two unidentified men who fled in a pickup truck.
The sign didn’t burn, but its steel support beams were charred.
The atheist group has been trying since 2011 to have a privately funded Christmas banner in Pitman removed or have one added for nonbelievers.
The foundation is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
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