Rainbow Crosswalks Removed in Montrose, Houston Following Governor Abbott's Directive

Rainbow Crosswalks Removed in Montrose

• 🌈 Crews overnight removed the rainbow crosswalks at Westheimer and Taft in Houston's Montrose neighborhood.
• 🏳️‍🌈 These crosswalks were a symbol of Pride, remembrance, and unity for the LGBTQ+ community.

Protests and Detentions

• ✊ Community members gathered to protest the removal, with some protesters being detained and handcuffed by Houston police.
• ⚠️ Four individuals were taken into custody for blocking the roadway.

Governor's Directive and Justification

• 🏛️ The removal follows a directive from Governor Greg Abbott, who called for the elimination of "political ideologies" from roadways.
• 📜 This directive traces back to guidance from the Trump administration.
• 💰 Mayor John Whitmire stated he would not risk federal funding for healthcare and transportation, referencing over a billion dollars for Metro.

Community and Official Reactions

• 💔 Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Leslie Briones expressed deep disappointment, calling the crosswalk a symbol of safety, unity, equality, and respect.
• 🗣️ Briones emphasized that local communities, not state or federal pressure, should decide how values are honored.
• ❓ Harris County Judge Lena Hidalgo questioned why the Metro Board of Directors was not involved in the decision.

Future Actions

• 🌱 Advocates state their fight is not over and plan to coordinate with businesses and residents to paint driveways and parking lots.