The church stirred controversy this week after posting an anti same-sex marriage noticeboard message: ‘‘Even tradies know you need both male and female joints to make a marriage’’.

As reported in the Newcastle Herald yesterday, the Nelson Street church, built in 1867, was vandalised on Monday night with slogans such as ‘‘sexuality is not a choice’’ and ‘‘love thy neighbour, not hate gays’’ spray-painted over exterior walls. Most of the graffiti was removed yesterday.

Rally organiser Wayne Mason said the gay and lesbian community had organised a protest against the church’s stance through social-networking site Facebook.

Mr Mason stressed the 4pm rally would be peaceful.

‘‘We’re not going to be violent ... we respect [the church’s] right to their views,’’ he said.