Atheist Sign Slashed in Shelton; Reward Offered for Information on Vandals

SHELTON, CT — Vandals recently slashed the atheist Winter Solstice sign erected in Shelton's Huntington Green park, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation which helped post it is offering a reward for information on the culprits.

The group is offering "$1,500 for information leading to arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s) responsible," according to a post on the FFRF's Facebook page.

Local resident Jerry Bloom, with the FFRF's help, won the right to place the sign at the park, which read in part, "There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth & superstition that hardens hearts & enslaves minds."

Shelton police said a suspect dressed in black slashed the sign twice on Dec. 22, reports the Connecticut Post.

“This disgraceful expression of intolerance toward dissenting ideas proves the government can’t successfully host a true public forum on religious views in December,” said FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor in a statement. “Shelton’s Huntington Park isn’t safe for minority viewpoints.”

After the sign was erected, Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti responded with his own sign wishing residents a Merry Christmas.

Bloom's stance was rewarded when he also was named "Atheist of the Year" by the Connecticut chapter of American Atheists Inc.

Photo credit: Freedom from Religion Foundation via Facebook