Move Forced for Atheist Group Billboard

Threats compelled Lamar Advertising to move a billboard that promotes the Cincinnati chapter of the United Coalition of Reason (UCOR), a Washington, D.C.-based group that serves as an umbrella organization for atheists, humanists and others who eschew belief in a god. The group, which formed early this year, operates 15 chapters nationwide.

The property owner, who leased the land to Lamar’s Cincinnati office for billboard use, reportedly received threats and informed the company he wanted it removed or he’d take it down himself. The billboard had been in place for less than 48 hours. To avoid subsequent disputes, Lamar notified UCOR and moved the sign to a billboard built on property it owns.

“I’m very disappointed that it happened,” Fred Edwords, UCOR’s executive director, said. “But, given the threats, we certainly don’t want the billboard to cause anyone to suffer. This hasn’t happened before, so we consider this an isolated incident. Billboards will continue to remain an integral part in our promotional efforts.”