New signs posted in the previously public, now private plaza on a block of Main Street in Salt Lake City, Utah in response to public uproar after two gay men were kicked off Mormon property after kissing.

New signage is being posted on a block of Main Street between North Temple and South Temple in downtown Salt Lake City warning pedestrians that they are entering the private property held by The Church of Latter Days Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church. The signs are being posted after two men, Derek Jones and Matt aune were detained by LDS Church guards when they were found kissing on the church’s plaza.

Jones and Aune were cited with charges of trespassing but were later acquitted by the city prosecutor on grounds that the couple had not been effectively warned upon entering the private property. Citizens of Salt Lake remain uncertain regarding the previously public plaza as it was only recently acquired by the LDS church in 1999.

Initially, public right of way concessions were made by the church, but were later traded by the city in 2003 in exchange for the construction of a community center that interfered with the church. With that trade, the property became private property held by the LDS church, effectively removing any free-speech rights and allowing the church to regulate the property as they deem appropriate.

The church’s reaction to the gay couple’s public display of affection has triggered several public “kiss in” demonstrations held near the church’s property. Meanwhile the American Civili Liberties Union (ACLU) urges the church to clearly define their terms for what is appropriate on the property. Karen McCreary, executive director of the ACLU told the Salt Lake Tribune, that the signs were a “‘good start.’ She said she would liked to see the church explain, perhaps on it’s web site, what the rules governing the plaza are. That way visitors would know what behaviors could get them ejected.” The church has not taken any action to display their terms other than banning skateboarding, bicycling and roller skating prominently on their property.

Salt Lake Prosecutor Sim Gill insists that the church needs to be explicit with their warnings or close the plaza off to the public entirely. LDS church officials say that they intend to keep the plaza open and inviting for members of the community to enjoy.