P
lanting Peace plants billboard in Jackson, Mississippi in response to the”Religious Freedom Bill”.

The Fight for Marriage Equality Continues. 
 
Even in the face of landmark legislation from the Supreme Court bringing marriage equality to every corner of our nation, the anti-LGBT movement continues to seek ways to take us backwards. The most recent example is a “Religious Freedom Bill” championed by the governor of Mississippi, legislation that allows people to cite “religious objections” that would enable them to deny wedding services and be legally protected for a range of discriminatory actions against the LGBT community.
 
As has been painstakingly observed time and time again, the anti-LGBT movement is comprised of a substantial number of zealots who unfailingly refer to their rigid interpretation of religious text to narrowly define “traditional” institutions and values. They pick and choose what they wish to convey as immoral and unacceptable, while seemingly sweeping lines of scripture just a few letters away completely under the rug.
 
in response, Planting Peace has constructed a message to the Mississippi legislators and the anti-LGBT movement. 
 
It is important and relevant to call this out, because these messages and actions are not simply about a political or religious debate. There are LGBT youth across the world who are taking their lives at an alarming rate because of these messages from society that make them feel broken or less than. We have to meet hate with love…intolerance with compassion. To deny any individual basic human rights based on your individual beliefs is outrageous and unethical.
 
In true Planting Peace style, we are making a bold statement to show how ridiculous these laws are, and to bring attention to the need for equality. Our latest billboard sends a message about literal interpretations of the bible and addresses some of the hateful, homophobic language anti-LGBT hate groups often feature on their protest signs. In Matthew 21: 18-22, Jesus literally curses a fig tree. But we don’t see a lot of “God Hates Figs” protests or cries for stronger legislation regulating figs. It’s heartbreaking to see in this day and age groups are still fighting so hard to restrict basic human rights of others based on claims of religious freedom. We want to be sure the opposing voice is heard. 
                        Our message to our LGBTQ youth is simple:
             You are loved, valued, supported, and beautiful.
There is nothing wrong with you, and we will stand by you.
You are not alone.