Dallas church paints rainbow steps after Abbott orders removal of Pride crosswalks

Image courtesy of the Texas Reporter

DALLAS, Texas (TXAN 24) - A Dallas church is pushing back against Governor Greg Abbott’s latest directive targeting Pride symbols in public spaces. After Abbott called for cities to remove rainbow crosswalks, saying they misuse taxpayer funds, Oak Lawn United Methodist Church responded by painting its own front steps in bright rainbow colors — a gesture of solidarity and defiance.

Church leaders say the decision was simple: when inclusion is under attack, visibility matters. “We wanted to remind our community that God’s love has no exceptions,” said Reverend Rachel Baughman, who leads the Oak Lawn congregation, one of the city’s oldest Methodist churches.

The governor’s directive, issued earlier this month, asked municipalities to replace Pride-themed crosswalks with standard designs, citing uniformity and neutrality on public roads.

Advocates argue it sends the wrong message at a time when LGBTQ Texans are already feeling singled out by legislation and rhetoric at the state level.

Photos of the church’s newly painted steps have gone viral, with supporters calling it a creative and peaceful act of protest. City officials say the church is within its rights since the property is privately owned.

While the debate over symbols and public expression continues, Oak Lawn’s message is clear — love still finds a way to shine through.