RICHMOND, Va. -- You've likely seen the controversial billboard that states "Nobody is born gay" while driving along I-95 in Richmond.
The group claims a study of identical twins supports that claim, although the author disagrees.
The message didn't sit well with many people, and so local groups got together to respond.
"There were a lot of wounds opened, a lot of people have struggles with their sexual orientation," said Bill Harrison, Executive Director of the Gay Community Foundation of Richmond.
But instead of vandalism or retaliation, Harrison said an employee at his organization had the idea to put up two billboards that read "We are all born to love."
"All humans are born with the strong capacity to love," said Harrison.
When the first billboard went up, Harrison said he received a lot of calls from parents of gay and lesbian children who saw the sign.
"They were very upset by it because they love their children, they're supporting their children and convincing their children that they are good," said Harrison.
Jerry Williams came out in 1976 and said he didn't let the first billboard's message bother him.
He said the way the gay and straight community responded with the new message was respectful.
"I believe the gay community took the high road, they said we're not going to bash these people," said Williams.
Still, some say no matter what view you have, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion and beliefs.
CBS 6 reached out to the Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays for a comment on the new billboard, but we are still waiting for a response.
