Nicosia, Cyprus. A billboard paid for by the Elam party opposing marriage and adoption by same-sex couples has been spray-painted over days after it was placed on a rooftop in the capital.
Billboard defaced
The billboard was spray-painted over in orange with the acronym “LOL (Laugh Out Loud),” which appeared to be aimed at trolling the message.
It reads: “No to marriage and the adoption of children by same-sex couples. Cyprus first.”
Complaints and public debate
The billboard’s placement sparked controversy on social media about free speech and led to exchanges between Elam and Accept-LGBTI Cyprus.
Accept-LGBTI Cyprus filed complaints to the Children’s Rights Commissioner, the Ombudsman’s office and Strovolos municipality.
Accept-LGBTI Cyprus response
Last week, Accept spokesperson Stefanos Evangelides said the group’s objection was not to the message itself.
“We don’t have a problem with the positions of the parties, nor do we demand that they change their positions,” Evangelides said.
He said the concern was that the billboard was placed in a neighborhood with seven schools and was therefore highly visible to children aged seven to 18.
Municipality and Elam reactions
Strovolos municipality later said the message does not violate any law or regulations relating to billboard permits.
Elam said some quarters were seeking to gag the party.
What do you think should be the rules for political billboards placed near schools?
