CBS 5's Joe Vazquez reports that the big, pink "Fuck Mormons" banner has been removed. While rumors of photoshopping swirled, CBS 5 managed to figure out that, yes, the sign was, in fact, real.

The sign went up at 606 Sanchez Street, made with strips of pink sheets of paper. The building's owner, Michael Thomas, admits to putting up the banner, but won't say why, exactly, he took it down.

CBS 5 interviewed Thomas, discussing such points as the Central Valley; disenfranchising Mormon culprits; SFist; and you, dear commenters.

CBS 5: "You've been following the discussion on SFist. While some comments support you, others are saying, 'this isn't going to help.'" MT: "There are all kinds of assimilationists that are of the opinion that if we're only nicer, then maybe the Mormons and hate groups will come around. That ain't the way it works. Somebody needs to call these guys for what they are doing.

I'm angry at their meddling in our affairs. It's particularly ironic about the Mormons doing this, given their past. Polygamy and all that good stuff. Then, they sit there and lay down the gauntlet. Now that they're big and they feel entitled to persecute a group that's weaker."

While one might argue that gay marriage is also a form a assimilation, whatever that is, that's splitting hairs at this point. We thank Thomas for giving us much to discuss, not to mention figure out, in this most difficult time.

Update: Said banner was taken down because it was "made of paper and falling apart after the storm." SFist regrets the sensationalistic error.