A digital traffic sign was near Lake Nona Boulevard and Nemours Parkway in Orlando. This screenshot from Google Maps is from near the scene ...
- Police are looking for those responsible for altering an Orlando traffic sign to say "KILL ALL GAYS."
- The incident took place Wednesday, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia.
- Last month, Florida's largest LGBTQ advocacy group warned its members about visiting the state.
Orlando Police Department has launched an investigation to find those responsible for altering a traffic sign to display a threatening homophobic message.
Police officers received a call about the anti-LGBTQ message in Orlando's Medical City, near Lake Nona, at around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, per the Orlando Sentinel.
They arrived to find that the digital sign had been tampered with, the newspaper said. In bold orange letters, its message read: "KILL ALL GAYS."
Wednesday was International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, which is observed annually to commemorate injustices against LGBTQ communities around the world.
According to a spokesperson for the City of Orlando, the sign was intended to be used to warn drivers about possible delays due to a scheduled 5K fun run this weekend, per Fox 35 News.
The spokesperson said that the offensive message was removed as soon as the city was notified.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a statement provided to the Orlando Sentinel that hate "has no place in Orlando," adding that the "disgusting" message does not represent the city.
Dyer continued: "To Orlando's LGBTQ+ residents and visitors: you are respected and valued here. And we won't be deterred in our efforts to ensure that our city is inclusive for all."
However, last month, Florida's largest LGBTQ advocacy group issued a travel advisory telling the queer community that it may no longer be safe to move to or visit the state.
Equality Florida said that issuing the travel advisory was an "unprecedented" move and a response to a slate of "hateful" laws and policies signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
It highlighted a number of laws and policies aimed at transgender Floridians, as well as the so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill, in addition to recent protests outside Florida venues hosting drag shows.
Orlando Police did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
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