Three days after voters approved a proposition to ban same-sex marriage in California, vandals targeted a Mormon church in Orangevale.
Vandals spray-painted the words "No on Prop 8" at the church's property on Hazel Avenue sometime between late Thursday and early Friday, Sacramento County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Tim Curran said.
The church's building was tagged once and the sidewalk multiple times, Curran said. Sheriff's officials say they have not characterized the crime as the work of those opposed to Proposition 8, an amendment to the California constitution that limits marriage to between a man and a woman.
Curran said the department has not received similar reports of vandalism in the county.
In response to the incident, officials from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement asking for those involved in the same-sex marriage debate to treat each other with respect and civility.
"While those who disagree with our position on Proposition 8 have the right to make their feelings known, it's wrong to target the Church and its sacred places of worship for being part of the democratic process," said the church's statement. "No one on either side of the question should be vilified, harassed or subject to erroneous information."
The Mormon church supported the proposition, encouraging members to contribute time and resources to help its passage.
Supporters of same-sex marriage have staged protests outside Mormon temples, including one Friday at the church's headquarters in Salt Lake City.
In Sacramento today, a "marriage equality" rally is planned at the state Capitol.
Same-sex marriage advocates say they have called for a peaceful and civil campaign.
"The No on Prop. 8 campaign denounces any sort of vandalism whatsoever," said Bill Bradley, a campaign spokesman. "It's wrong to deface property and does not reflect the spirit or values of this campaign."
Andrea Shorter, a campaign spokeswoman, added, "That is not going to get us any closer to marriage equality.
"We understand that people are upset and angry and frustrated, but we call upon everyone to express their frustration through the correct processes."
The debate over whether same-sex couples should be allowed to marry has been intense. In the run-up to the Nov. 4 election, campaign signs were vandalized and there have been some reports of violence since the vote.
In Southern California, published reports say yard signs supporting the proposition at a Roman Catholic church in Riverside were rearranged into a swastika.
And in Fresno, a prominent pastor who supported Proposition 8 received death threats that prompted police to assign officers to protect him. Vandals also targeted his church.
Call The Bee's Chelsea Phua, (916) 321-1132.
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