Gov. Abbott Declines Comment on Montrose Pride Crosswalk Removal Amid Growing Outrage

Montrose Pride Crosswalk Removal Sparks Outrage

• 😡 Anger is escalating over the repaving of the Pride crosswalk in Montrose, with chalk messages and drawings appearing overnight.
• 🏛️ Governor Greg Abbott's team declined to answer questions about the crosswalk removal during an appearance in Cypress.
• 🚫 Abbott directed the Texas transportation department to remove what he termed "political ideology" from public roadways, threatening funding loss for non-compliance.

Official Responses and Public Reaction

• 💰 The city of Houston acted on Abbott's directive, while other cities like Austin and San Antonio are reportedly discussing seeking exemptions.
• 🗣️ The conservative LGBTQ organization, Log Cabin Republicans, released a statement supporting the removal, arguing it ensures public projects are inclusive and consistent in taxpayer resource use, not favoring any group.
• 🎨 In response to the removal, a temporary rainbow crosswalk was painted on a sidewalk in The Heights, seen by some as a symbol of hope.
• 💬 Efforts to get comments from Metro regarding the removal and potential exemptions have so far been unsuccessful.
• ⚖️ Commissioner Rodney Ellis stated that the crosswalk's removal serves no public good.