You at the Denver Post have a really broad view of the word "Persecute". 
Further, what is your point in running this story? It seems you are trying to gain them sympathy for their attempt at "passively" spreading their ignorance. Did we learn nothing from last year's election, where media sensationalism played heavily in turning the course of the election? Because all you are doing with this story is helping them to raise money for their billboard. Is that your goal? To spread misinformation and willful ignorance?