After Governor Greg Abbott called for cities to remove rainbow crosswalks, Oak Lawn United Methodist Church painted its steps. Media mogul Andy Choen celebrated.
DALLAS — Andy Cohen, a producer and television host, gave a shout-out Monday to a Dallas church after it painted its steps rainbow in defiance of Gov. Greg Abbott’s order to remove the neighborhood’s rainbow crosswalks.
Cohen, known for serving as executive producer of the Real Housewives franchises, gave a “mazel” to the church on his talk show, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
Oct. 21, Oak Lawn First United Methodist church painted its steps in rainbow stripes, WFAA previously reported. Church leaders described the action as “not one of defiance, but of faith.” The church is located in the Oak Lawn neighborhood of Dallas, known for its inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community.
The painting was in response to Gov. Abbott, who earlier this month ordered the Texas Department of Transportation to instruct state and local agencies to remove any “decorative crosswalks or markings conveying artwork or other messages” that are not part of standard traffic control.
Earlier this month, rainbow crosswalks in Houston, similar to those in Oak Lawn, were removed but replaced just hours later. Dallas City Manager Kim Tolbert has said the city attorney is reviewing the directive. Local LGBTQ+ activists have protested the order.
Painting our steps in the colors of the rainbow is a visible witness to the gospel we preach: that every person is created in the image of God and worthy of safety, dignity, and belonging,” Griffin-Allison said in a statement. “We’re painting our steps because we want every person who approaches our doors or passes through the neighborhood to know: there’s a place for you here, and the love of God meets you exactly as you are.”
On Watch What Happens Live, Cohen read a portion of the church’s statement and celebrated the move.