In a neighborhood known for its identity and advocacy, a North Texas church is taking a colorful stand against a state directive.
On Tuesday, Oak Lawn United Methodist Church began painting its front steps in rainbow colors, a response to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent order requiring cities to remove rainbow crosswalks from public streets.
“We’re painting the rainbow on our steps as a way to show the community and the neighborhood that the rainbow is important,” said Rev. Ryan Wager.
Wager said the church decided to act after a weekend rally in the Oak Lawn neighborhood, where residents encouraged one another to display rainbows on private property as a form of peaceful protest.
“I hope that people drive by knowing that we’re taking steps when the Governor’s trying to take steps to silence or erase literally the community from being on the streets, that there’s a place that they can come and find sanctuary,” he said.
Abbott earlier this month directed the Texas Department of Transportation to have all cities and counties “remove any and all political ideologies from our streets” within 30 days. He warned that jurisdictions that don’t comply could lose state and federal funding.
In Houston, crews removed a rainbow-painted crosswalk from the city’s Montrose neighborhood late Monday night. By morning, residents had repainted the symbol in defiance.
In Dallas, city officials say they are seeking legal advice, noting that Oak Lawn’s rainbow crosswalks were privately funded.
Regardless, Oak Lawn UMC is wasting no time making sure its message is seen.
“The rainbow is a reminder for those that come in our doors or just drive through our neighborhood that there’s a place for them of safety and community,” Wager said.