Minister argues
for antigay billboard

A minister in New York said billboards he paid for displaying a Bible verse that condemns homosexual behavior were removed after the president of the Staten Island borough called the message intolerant, offensive, and unwelcome. The Reverend Kristopher Okwedy's lawsuit against the former official was heard on Tuesday by a three-judge federal panel.

Okwedy's attorney, Stephen Crampton of the antigay American Family Association, said the case highlights the conflict between gay rights and the right of Christians to publicly quote Bible passages that declare such behavior sinful. Crampton predicts that the issue will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. (AP)