FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) -- Multiple political campaigns signs having to do with the new civil rights ordinance in Fayetteville have been vandalized or stolen, according to the Fayetteville Police Department.
The special election on Ordinance 5781 will be held September 8, about two weeks from Monday (August 24).
Duncan Campbell, with the opposition group called Protect Fayetteville, said many signs put up by his campaign have been stolen or vandalized, so his campaign workers have had to go back to replace them.
"It shows [those in favor of the ordinance] are willing to discriminate against people of faith," Campbell said.
Campbell said one of the signs that was tagged with spray paint was outside Buckner Baptist Church in Fayetteville.
Danielle Weatherby, with ordinance-supporting For Fayetteville, called the vandalism inexcusable.
"I think it is really important that both sides of the issue, whether you are for or against uniform civil rights protection, respect each other's positions and property," she said.
Weatherby does not believe anyone directly affiliated with the campaign tagged the signs and said she has received reports of For Fayetteville signs being stolen as well. The group hopes those who are for the ordinance will show their support in more constructive ways.
"Keep spreading the word about the positive impact this ordinance will have on Fayetteville, focus your attention and energy on that," Weatherby said.
Both sides do agree one thing.
"Everyone should leave signs alone," Campbell said. "I do not care whose sign it is."
"Be excited, and exuberant,” Weatherby said. “But, respect the other side as well. That is really important.”
The pastor at Buckner Baptist said he planned to leave the tagged signs up, in order to encourage people to vote on the issue on September 8.