As police and store employees grappled with graffiti that appeared overnight on the back wall of a Torrance Chick-fil-A, online supporters and protesters alike criticized the vandalism.

"Tastes like hate" was scrawled in large black lettering on the wall of the restaurant, mimicking the chain's advertising.

"The Chick-Fil-A stores are all independently owned. Vandalism, like that in L.A., hurts the local owner who may not share Cathy's views," Twitter user Paul DeBaufer (@Persecuted23) posted, referring to company President Dan Cathy's recent public stand against same-sex marriage that has sparked a national uproar.

PHOTOS: Chick-fil-A at center of controversy

"wow really? it's one thing to protest Chick-fil-A but vandalism? im all for freedom of speech but this has gone too far," @iluvmonchele28 wrote on Twitter. “Wow. So 2 wrongs make a right now days?” wrote another Twitter user from North Carolina.

Many conservatives blamed liberals, saying that their calls for tolerance ring hollow in the face of hateful graffiti.

"Liberals HATE getting beat at their own game so they stoop to vandalism & hypocrisy by spray painting Chick-Fil-A at night," tweeted one conservative blogger.

The vandalism appeared on the same day that gay rights activists planned a “National Same-Sex Kiss Day,” encouraging same-sex couples Friday to go to a Chick-fil-A and take a photo or video of themselves kissing.

It remains unclear whether this protest will generate the huge crowds that turned out Wednesday for "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day," when tens of thousands waited through long lines in a show of support for Cathy.

[View the story "Chick-fil-A vandalized with hate graffiti on 'kiss' day" on Storify] Chick-fil-A vandalized with hate graffiti on 'kiss' day Storified by Kimi Yoshino · Fri, Aug 03 2012 09:12:56 Southern California Chick-fil-A employees were greeted Fridays morning with the words "Tastes like hate" scrawled in large black lettering mimicking the chain's advertising across the back wall of one of its Torrance restaurants. The vandalism comes on the same day that gay marriage supporters have called for a national same-sex kiss day. Chick-fil-A 'kiss' day marred by 'Tastes like hate' graffitiOn a day that some gay-rights activists are planning a "National Same-Sex Kiss Day," a Chick-fil-A in Torrance was vandalized overnight w... Message painted on a Torrance #Chick-fil-A early Friday ahead of kiss-in protests http://4.nbcla.com/RhqZUS http://pic.twitter.com/Np8iTxxwNBCLA Many people denounced the vandalism on Twitter and called for tolerance and an end to hate. The Chick-Fil-A stores are all independently owned. Vandalism, like that in LA, hurts the local owner who may not share Cathy's viewsPaul DeBaufer Chick-Fil-A thing is just another example of people forgetting what made the US great. OK to disagree with people and not hate. #freespeechJoe Skovron wow really? it's one thing to protest Chick-fil-A but vandalism? im all for freedom of speech but this has gone too far.Janell Conservatives immediately blamed the liberal left. Tolerant left vandalizes a Chick-fil-A store in Torrance, CA: http://lat.ms/NeGkjhRick Moore The left. Always destroying, never creating: "Tastes Like Hate" Painted on Torrance Chick-fil-A. http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Chick-fil-A-Protest-Kiss-Demonstration-Torrance-Vandalism-164878736.html #tcot #teapartyPeyton James Liberals HATE getting beat at their own game so they stoop to vandalism & hypocrisy by spray painting Chick-Fil-A at night. #tcotFred Peoples The Right shows support by coming out in massive numbers to peacefully buy lunch. The Left dissents using vandalism. http://www.soopermexican.com/2012/08/03/chick-fil-a-spraypainted-with-message-tastes-like-hate/Kate Others proclaimed their continued support. Chick Fil A could say they hate women and I would still eat there.Country Princess Gasp! Chick-Fil-A is so filled with hate that they took WATER out to those protesting their business! http://pic.twitter.com/X24i3kePPam Besteder

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Photo: A Chick-fil-A in Torrance was vandalized with graffiti. Credit: KTLA News