By HOI ABC
LEROY – A sign on Route 150 continues to turn heads in Eastern McLean County. The sign for the past several weeks appears to call out liberals using a partial phrase at least one teenager with special needs from the area finds offensive.
“This town is an amazing place and should be thought as one, but that sign doesn’t really help,” said 14-year-old LeRoy resident, Korbin Marshall.
Marshall passes the sign in LeRoy almost everyday on Route 150. The sign references transgender people and a ‘libtard’ a shortened version of liberal and retard.
Special Olympics has explained why the word ‘retard’ is offensive.
“The use of ‘tard’ is very offensive to people like me especially since I have Autism,” said Marshall.
His past teacher, Ashlie Marcy, fears the sign could deter future residents or small business.
“Everyone has that right to free speech, but we do too. So, there’s a group in LeRoy who are going to counter with positive messages of love, acceptance, and celebration that LeRoy is such a great community to be a part of,” said Marcy.
Although, the owner of the sign claims it’s not offensive.
“When I use the ‘libtard’ word it’s just a joke against far left liberals. Has nothing to do with a handicapped kid or anything like that,” said Matthew Garvin, owner of Guns & Glory.
Garvin owns the commercial property where the sign sits. It’s been there for several months, changing phrases every few weeks.
City Administrator David Jenkins says because there is no threat, there is very little the city can do as it is free speech.
