Dallas Landmark Commission Allows Rainbow Steps at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church

Decision on Rainbow Steps

• 🎯 The Dallas Landmark Commission unanimously voted to allow the Oak Lawn United Methodist Church to keep its rainbow-colored steps.
• 📌 This decision permits the church to maintain the steps as a temporary art installation for three years.

Church's Rationale and Actions

• 💡 Reverend Rachel Griffin Allison stated the steps are meant to convey a message of love and acceptance: "Who you are um is beloved. You are seen and you are loved."
• ⚡ The church applied the paint before seeking approval from the Dallas Landmark Commission, which oversees historic buildings.
• ⚠️ This action was taken partly as a response to Governor Abbott's mandate to remove painted crosswalks, which the church viewed as a silencing measure.

Commission's Deliberation

• 💬 Public comment at the hearing was unanimous in support of the rainbow steps.
• ⚖️ City staff had recommended approval, while a task force recommended denial, citing potential violations of Dallas City code.
• ✅ Despite the debate over city code, the commission ultimately sided with the church and public sentiment.