UPDATE (WLNS 10:04 P.M.) – The message behind a Mason veteran’s yard sign is causing controversy across the state of Michigan and even nationwide and tonight he’s breaking his silence.

James Prater has two signs planted in his front yard…one that reads “For Sale by Owner” and the other that says “No Foreigners, Iraq Vet.”

It’s that message that stirred up a debate and after 6 News spoke with Prater today, it’s clear he has a message to send.

“My definition of an outsider is a liberal, a globalist, or a terrorist…if you can’t understand the definition of a foreigner and you keep calling me a racist or a bigot…then you probably have more problems of yourself that no other psychologist in the world would understand,” said Prater.

Two weeks ago, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights took action and filed a complaint against Prater.

The state department says the sign not only infringes on the Michigan Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, but it’s also in violation of the Federal Fair Housing Act and Prater is breaking the law.

The Civil Rights Department released a statement to 6 News today stating the following:

“The Michigan Department of Civil Rights notified Mr. Prater of the complaint on August 10, 2017, after which he had 7 days to submit his response. The matter is currently being investigated and resolution discussions are taking place.”

Prater didn’t comment on his response of the investigation but he does have a message to send those who disagree with his sign.

“For all the snowflakes out there who call me a racist and a bigot…I’d say get your coloring books out, start blowing your bubbles because you’re nothing but an immature little baby and insecure,” Prater stated.

Prater chose not to comment on anything further involving his reasoning for placing the sign in his front yard or his reaction to the complaint filed against him.

MASON, Mich. (WLNS) – A Mason veteran is pushing back against critics of his controversial yard sign amidst a state civil rights investigation.

It’s been just more than two weeks since the state stepped in over James Prater’s yard sign and today 6 News sat down with him to hear his side of the story.

We first told you about this story earlier this month…Prater put his Mason home up for sale with two signs planted in his front yard…one that said “For Sale by Owner” and the other that reads “No Foreigners, Iraq Vet.”

His message sparked controversy across the state and caught nationwide attention causing the Michigan Department of Civil Rights to file a complaint against Prater two weeks ago.

Tonight, he told 6 News how he defines the meaning of the word “foreigners.”

“It’s not a race, origin, sex, religion, or a creed…my definition of an outsider is a liberal, a globalist, or a terrorist…if you can’t understand the definition of a foreigner and you keep calling me a racist or a bigot…then you probably have more problems of yourself that no other psychologist in the world would understand,” said Prater.

Tonight on 6 News at 11, Alysia Burgio will break down more from our interview with Prater and you’ll hear his message for those who call him a bigot and say he’s discriminatory.