Anti-Gay Marriage Group Claims University Place Woman Stole "Reject R-74" Signs

A anti-gay marriage group is claiming that an unnamed University Place woman stole campaign yard signs that were against Referendum 74, which is on the Nov. 6 ballot.

The website belonging to Preserve Marriage Washington made the claim earlier this week, citing an apparent contest between R-74 supporters to rip out the yard signs.

A gay marriage supporter, whose Facebook page identifies her as living in University Place, bragged on that social media site that she and an accomplice stole two dozen “Reject R-74” signs the night of October 25 or 26, 2012.

She brazenly displayed a photo of the stolen lawn signs, with a caption reading: “Beat that Steph!!! 24 Baby!!!! What do we win aagain [sic]???” Many of her friends congratulated her and cheered her on.

Preserve Marriage Washington doesn't name the woman, but it did say the alleged sign-stealing is hypocritical of gay marriage supporters, who champion tolerance and understanding. It pointed to other recent instances in which R-74 opponents were harrassed by the measure's supporters.

"There is nothing tolerant, fair, or kind about stealing, vandalism, and harassment,” said Chip White, the group's spokesman. “The gay marriage forces have called this a cynical political tactic. Being attacked, harassed, and intimidated isn’t a tactic by our side, but it does show that supporters of gay marriage don’t really mean it when they talk about the importance of tolerance.”

We ask you, Patch users, do the anti-R-74 people have a legitimate complaint, or is this a late election tactic? Tell us in the comments below.