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Anti-Islam Sign On Display Outside Fla. Church

A Gainesville, Florida church has a shocking anti-Islam sign on its front lawn and says it is going to put up more.

The sign at the Dove World Outreach Center (see map) reads "Islam is of the devil."

"We just use Islam because, at this time, they are making great in-roads into America and they're trying to present themselves as a religion of peace," said Dr. Terry Jones, Dove World Outreach Center.


SEE THE SIGN: Sign Reads "Islam Is Of The Devil"

Sixteen-year-old Gaby Alim, who is lives in the area, is Muslim. She says she feels hurt by the statement, but more so wants to know why the Dove World Outreach Center posted it.

"I think it's all stereotypical about the whole Iraq war. People think all Muslims are like that and we're not," said 16-year-old Gaby Alim, Muslim resident.

University of Florida Professor David Hackett says that people become very emotional when it comes to religion.

"There are tendencies through all religions to think that theirs is the right one and the other ones are wrong," he said.

The city's code enforcement has been out to look at the sign and say the case is under investigation. According to the municipal ordinance 30-317, temporary signs with no commercial message are permitted.

Someone tried to spray paint over the sign, but the church quickly fixed it. For now, the sign stays and Dr. Jones says they plan to add more.
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