The Maryland Presbyterian Church will hold a rally on Sunday to show support for the local LGBTQ+, Muslim and immigrant communities after a vandal defaced several signs outside the house of worship.
Per WBAL-TV, a rainbow-color sign that said “We Love Our LGBTQ+ Friends and Neighbors” had select words crossed out with black marker and changed to say “We Hate Our LGBTQ+ Perverts.” Similarly, a sign that said “We Love Our Muslim & Immigrant Neighbors” was changed to “We Hate Our Muslim & Immigrant Neighbors,” with the word “ALLAH” written down the side.
Rev. David Norse Thomas told the network, “I think there’s hatred and I think that people are looking for a way to express that, but I think that, as a community, I think it’s important to say hate doesn’t have a home here.”
Baltimore County Police Department spokeswoman Officer Jennifer Peach told the station the incident is being investigated as destruction of property and a hate crime.
The gathering is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday and open to people of all religions, the church posted on social media, and representatives from several faiths will be present.
“Come join us to sing and respond to hate with love and light,” the event description says. “All people of good will are welcome.”
