Lima rally targets billboard on same-sex parenting

July 29, 2026 - 01:41

LIMA - Even as a drizzle blurred the marker on her homemade protest sign, Mary Ramseyer's cherry red raincoat and sunny disposition stood out against the gray sky. She was one of hundreds who gathered in downtown Lima on Saturday to voice opposition to a billboard that critics say promotes same-sex parenting in a misleading way. The billboard, which has been up for several weeks, features two mothers with a child and the slogan "Love is Love." Opponents argue it undermines traditional family values and violates local decency standards.

The rally, organized by a coalition of conservative groups, drew a mix of families, religious leaders, and activists. Many carried signs reading "Kids Need a Mom and Dad" and "Protect Our Children." Speakers at the event called on city officials to remove the billboard, claiming it normalizes a lifestyle they say is harmful to children. "This is not about hate," said one organizer, a pastor from a nearby church. "It is about truth. Every child deserves a mother and a father."

Counter-protesters stood across the street, holding rainbow flags and signs that read "All Families Matter." They argued the billboard simply reflects the reality of modern families. "Love is what makes a family, not gender," said one supporter, a mother of two. Police kept the two groups separated, and no major incidents were reported.

The billboard's owner has not commented on the calls for its removal. City officials say they are reviewing the matter but have not announced any action. The debate highlights ongoing tensions in the community over LGBTQ rights and family definitions. For now, the billboard remains in place, a flashpoint in a larger cultural conversation.