IRE LAND - Anti-gay message stirs town's ire!

The Sacramento Bee reports ...

Placerville city leaders have declared a hate-free zone in response to a religious group's campaign.

The issue of gay marriage has sparked heated debate about moral values and public image in a foothill community where making visitors feel welcome is important to the economy.

Last week, the sparring moved from sidewalk demonstrations and freeway banners to Town Hall as Placerville City Council members issued a proclamation declaring theirs a "hate-free and discrimination-free city." The message will be reinforced publicly today during a 2 p.m. rally on the steps of the El Dorado County Courthouse on Placerville's Main Street.

"I think many of the people who spoke against the proclamation weren't aware that it is not a law and is not legally binding," said Mayor Roberta Colvin. "It is more asking the people to do the right thing."

The right thing, according to a religious group calling itself GaymarriageNO, is to declare what it contends is the Bible's condemnation of homosexuality and gay marriage.

Using "truth trucks," pickups bearing signs declaring "Homosexuality is sin," and the universal "no" symbol superimposed on a photo of two men kissing, the group has passed out literature along city streets, in front of schools and at community events.