The removal followed Gov. Abbott’s order for Texas transportation agencies to strip “political ideology” from roads or risk losing state funding.
HOUSTON — The outrage over the removal of Montrose’s Pride crosswalk continues to grow — and overnight, new chalk messages and drawings appeared at the site.
KHOU 11 tried asking Governor Greg Abbott about the decision, but he declined to answer questions about the controversy.
Abbott spoke Tuesday in Cypress, focusing on early voting and efforts to turn Harris County red.
When KHOU 11 asked if he would discuss the Pride crosswalk, his team responded: “No questions.”
The intersection of Westheimer and Taft is no longer as colorful as it once was — the rainbow crosswalk is gone. But the surrounding sidewalks are now covered in messages drawn by protesters overnight, expressing anger and disappointment over its removal.
The removal followed Abbott’s directive to transportation departments across Texas to eliminate what he called “political ideology” from public roadways or risk losing funding.
Houston officials complied, although other cities, such as Austin and San Antonio, have discussed seeking exemptions from the state.
“I’m not going to risk federal funding,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “I’m talking about healthcare, transportation — Metro is scheduled to get over $1 billion in the next five years. I have a responsibility to the entire city.”
Four people were taken into custody Sunday at the intersection. They were each charged with obstructing a highway or other passageway and released on bond.
The conservative LGBTQ group Log Cabin Republicans issued a statement supporting the removal, writing:
“Removing or modifying the Pride crosswalks is not about erasing anyone’s identity — it’s about ensuring public projects are inclusive, safe, and consistent in how taxpayer resources are used. That means no special treatment for any group, including our own.”
Meanwhile, some residents are finding quieter ways to show their support. On Monday, a colorful chalk-painted crosswalk appeared at 10th and Harvard in the Heights — an apparent act of solidarity.
“Stuff like this shows there’s still hope out there,” said Hannah Norrid. “It’s unfortunate the Montrose crosswalk got ripped up, but seeing someone recreate it — even temporarily — is really sweet.”
KHOU 11 has reached out again to METRO for comment about whether it sought an exemption from the governor’s directive. We are still waiting to hear back.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis also provided a statement:
I believe in a Harris County where every person is treated with dignity, and where public spaces reflect the diversity and strength of our communities.
What happened in Montrose early this morning was wrong. The state has forced the removal of a symbol meant to honor a life lost and affirm the dignity of our LGBTQ+ community.
The Pride crosswalks reflected Houston’s promise: to be a city where everyone belongs and every life is valued. Their removal served no public good and undermines the inclusive values we should be working to uphold.