Crews began removing rainbow-painted crosswalks in Dallas on Monday as part of a statewide mandate to eliminate decorative pavement markings deemed in violation of traffic safety standards. As explained in a March 20 memorandum from the City of Dallas to the mayor and City Council, the removal of the 30 crosswalks located in Oak Lawn and other parts of the city follows a notification from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) last October that the decorative markings designed to show support for the LGBT community do not comply with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. City officials requested an exception, which was denied on January 15. The city then submitted a compliance plan on January 30 as part of a commitment to standardize the crosswalks within 90 days while exploring alternative ways to recognize neighbourhood identity through public art. The city expects to complete the removal at all 30 crosswalks by the end of April.
In an official statement released March 23, the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation described the removal as part of a broader political climate targeting the community’s visibility. “The City of Dallas’ removal of the rainbow crosswalks along Cedar Springs is not occurring in isolation — it reflects a broader political and regulatory climate that is increasingly targeting public expressions of support for the LGBT-identified community across our state,” the statement read. “Recent federal guidance and state-level directives have created a framework in which communities are being forced to choose between representation and resources — between visibility and compliance.” While located on public property, the crosswalks were privately funded. In December 2019, the foundation raised and contributed more than $128,000 for 10 crosswalks along Cedar Springs Road, with support from businesses, corporate partners, community organizations and individuals. The foundation and the Cedar Springs Merchants Association later covered ongoing repairs and re-installations despite material challenges.
“Let’s be clear — these crosswalks are being removed at a time when LGBT visibility is being challenged across Texas,” said Tony Vedda, president of the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “While the city may point to resurfacing as the immediate cause, the broader reality is that state and federal pressures have made it increasingly difficult for cities to support expressions of inclusion.” “Our district thrives because it is known as a place where people belong. That does not change because paint is removed from a street,” he added. An executive order from Texas’ Republican Gov. Greg Abbott directed TxDOT to take steps to ensure Texas counties and cities “remove any and all political ideologies from our streets,” including pro-LGBT rainbow-style crosswalks that have surfaced in Austin, San Antonio, Houston and other cities in the Lone Star State. Abbott’s order warned that any city that refuses to comply with federal road standards could see state and federal road funding withheld, along with the potential “suspension of agreements with TxDOT.”
Source: Christian Post