The atheist group Freedom From Religion Foundation (FRFF) is attacking Christian beliefs once again by protesting against two signs found in Hondo, Texas that say: "This Is God's Country - Please Don't Drive Through It Like Hell."
FRFF co-president Anne Laurie Gaylor tells the San Antonio Express News that the signs, which have been up since 1932, are "inflammatory and inappropriate" because they assume a common God.
She also referenced the establishment clause of the First Amendment in a letter sent to city officials last week. There, Gaylor complained that city-owned signs on public property "convey government preference for religion over non-religion" and send "the message that nonbelievers are not welcome in the city."
Gaylor suggests that Hondo officials find an alternative way to promote safe driving. "Some people may want to flee 'God's Country' faster than hell," Gaylor added. "Hondo officials could actually be encouraging drivers to speed with such signs."
Despite her complaints, Hondo Mayor Jim Danner said on Monday, "There's no way in hell we're going to take those signs down." They are drafting a formal response to the FRFF, and Danner predicts that local residents will support them in the decision to keep the community signs.
In fact, the only time people ever complained about the signs, prior to the FRFF's opposition, was in reference to their absence when the highway was being widened between 2009 and 2012. "We got tons of letters saying, 'Where's the signs?'" Danner recalls. He adds that the community is extremely proud of being called "God's Country."
As for Hondo City Attorney Frank Garza, he thinks the signs do not really endorse a religion but simply encourage drivers to exercise caution.
Meanwhile, City Manager Kim Davis says, "They're alleging that the signs make anyone who is not a Christian feel unwelcome. The mere fact that we often have people come to town to take a picture with the signs would say otherwise."
