Road safety
The Hypocrisy of Texas's Rainbow Crosswalk Ban: Broad Laws, Selective Enforcement
Published: October 9, 2025
Introduction: A Colorful Symbol Under Threat
In the heart of Dallas's Oak Lawn neighborhood, vibrant rainbow crosswalks have long served as beacons of pride and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community. Installed in 2020, these nine crosswalks along Cedar Springs Road celebrate the area's history as a safe haven for queer Texans. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["ee34c0","8b6560"]}) But on October 8, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott issued a directive ordering Texas cities and counties to remove "any and all political ideologies from our streets," [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["fc0dc3"]}) putting these symbols squarely in the crosshairs. Citing federal guidelines under the SAFE ROADS initiative, Abbott threatened to withhold state and federal funding from non-compliant localities. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["0b7cbd","e2aa3e"]})
This isn't just about rainbows—it's about selective enforcement of a law whose language is so broad it could encompass nearly any decorative road marking. Yet, as we'll explore, the focus is laser-sharp on LGBTQ+ symbols, while state-backed ideological displays remain untouched. And here's the kicker: Dallas's crosswalks were privately funded, not with a dime of taxpayer money. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["04365c","d17578","218c3e"]})
The Broad Language of the Law
Abbott's directive, enforced by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), prohibits "non-standard surface markings, signage, and signals that do not directly support traffic control or safety." [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["5c80a3","f09261"]}) This includes "symbols, flags, or other markings conveying social, political, or ideological messages," which TxDOT deems potential "distractions" that could confuse drivers or impair navigation. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["2d736b"]})
On its face, this sounds neutral—a push for uniform, safe roadways. But the breadth is staggering: Any artwork, mural, or message on pavement could qualify. Cities have 30 days to comply or risk losing millions in funding for bridges, HOV lanes, and pedestrian projects. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["bdcb15","6d17c8"]}) In practice, though? It's anything but even-handed.
Selective Enforcement: Targeting Rainbows, Sparing State Pride
While cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso scramble to repaint their rainbow crosswalks, [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["28b0b0","bce867","135a97","7f7925"]}) similar "ideological" markings elsewhere escape scrutiny. The timing—days after viral conservative outrage over Houston's repainted Montrose crosswalk—suggests politics, not safety, is driving the bus. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["fc0d11","60ffc8"]})
- Giant "TEXAS" Letters on Austin's "The Drag": These massive, burnt-orange pavement letters along Guadalupe Street near UT Austin scream state pride—an ideological booster for Texas exceptionalism. Installed in 2019 with public UT funds, they're non-standard art on a busy road, yet Austin's compliance focuses solely on rainbows, not these. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["001fc0"]}) If rainbows distract, what about "TEXAS" in huge letters?
- "Don't Mess with Texas" Campaign Icons: TxDOT's own anti-litter stencils—featuring Lone Star motifs and slogans on highways like I-35—promote environmentalism and state identity with public dollars. These "social messages" are everywhere, but TxDOT's directive ignores them entirely. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["1f5f1a","5390fa","f6bd23"]})
- UT-Austin "Hook 'Em" Murals: Publicly funded pavement art with the iconic hand gesture for Longhorn fandom dots San Jacinto Boulevard. Ideological university loyalty on traffic lanes? No problem—unlike private pride symbols.
- Historical Markers with Confederate Ties: TxDOT-maintained plaques along roads like TX-107 glorify "Southern heritage," a politically charged narrative. Abbott's defended these as "history," not ideology, even as rainbows get the boot. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["bc5483"]})
This isn't oversight; it's a pattern. Progressive or inclusive symbols face the axe, while conservative or state-flavored ones thrive.
The Private Funding Facade: Taxpayer Dollars or Not?
Abbott's rhetoric rails against "misuse of tax dollars" for "political agendas," [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["22afa7","4859f9"]}) but Dallas's rainbows? Fully privately funded. The North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce raised $128,250 from donors, businesses, and community leaders—no public money involved. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["2bf912","307b9e","26c03f","1d3ecd"]}) The city handled permitting, but the paint came from private pockets.
Contrast that with the spared examples: All taxpayer-funded by TxDOT or UT. Dallas now risks public funding cuts for a private project, while state ideologies get a blank check. It's punishment for visibility, not fiscal irresponsibility.
The ACLU's Take: A Pattern of Discrimination
The ACLU of Texas hasn't issued a specific statement on this directive yet (it's barely 24 hours old), but their playbook fits perfectly. In recent suits like the challenge to S.B. 12 (banning school discussions on race, gender, and orientation), they've slammed Abbott for "erasing identities" under safety or neutrality guises, while sparing "traditional" viewpoints. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["26b8a5","7d6d17"]}) Senior staff attorney Brian Klosterboer called such laws "blatant attempts to silence stories that make Texas strong." [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["db7c8f"]})
This echoes their wins against Abbott's gender care bans and migrant policies—pretexts like "protecting kids" or "safety" masking anti-LGBTQ+ bias. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["cfc9aa","b7b1c0"]}) Lambda Legal, an ACLU ally, is already eyeing challenges on First Amendment grounds. Viewpoint discrimination? Check. Unequal protection? Double check.
Conclusion: Time to Call Out the Double Standard
Texas's crosswalk crackdown isn't about safe streets—it's about erasing queer visibility while waving the Lone Star high. The law's broad brush paints over private pride but caresses public patriotism. As El Paso's Borderland Rainbow Center put it, this is "targeting expressions of inclusion under the guise of ‘safety.’" [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["90bb26"]}) Communities like Oak Lawn deserve better. Contact your city council, support Lambda Legal, and demand equal enforcement. Because in Texas, apparently, some ideologies don't mess around—while others get painted over.
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