Austin’s LGBTQ Rainbow Crosswalk Gets Removed

The City of Austin decided to remove its LGBT "Pride" crosswalks in compliance with Governor Greg Abbott's directive and federal guidance prohibiting political messaging on public roadways. This is a victory for common sense, responsible government, and the principle that taxpayer-funded infrastructure should serve the public, not promote political or ideological causes.

Roads and crosswalks exist for one purpose: public safety. They are not billboards for activist movements, political campaigns, or ideological statements. Governor Abbott rightly directed state agencies and local governments to ensure that Texas roadways remain focused on their intended function, following guidance from the U.S.

Department of Transportation discouraging political messages in traffic infrastructure. Austin has now complied by removing the rainbow crosswalks at Fourth Street and Colorado Street, with additional locations expected to follow.

For years, Austin officials have gone out of their way to inject progressive activism into public spaces using taxpayer resources. LGBTQ propaganda should never be funded by our tax dollars.

Governor Abbott's leadership on this issue deserves recognition. His administration has consistently emphasized that taxpayer dollars should be spent on improving roads, ensuring public safety, and maintaining infrastructure rather than advancing political agendas. Texans expect state and local governments to focus on fixing potholes, reducing congestion, and protecting motorists, not painting ideological symbols in intersections.

Unfortunately, Austin has built a reputation for resisting state leadership whenever progressive activism is involved. Rather than accepting the state's reasonable directive, city officials initially sought permission to keep the crosswalks in place before ultimately complying after their request was denied. That resistance highlights a broader pattern of local officials prioritizing the woke agenda over the everyday needs of taxpayers. 

We commend Governor Greg Abbott for standing firm and ensuring that Texas roadways remain dedicated to safety rather than political messaging. We also encourage other cities that have installed ideological street markings to comply with state directives without delay.

Public streets belong to every Texan. They should be safe, functional, and free from government-sponsored political activism.