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Conservative leaders call for removal of Montrose rainbow crosswalks, days after they were reinstated | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 17:25 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Conservative Leaders Demand Removal of Montrose Rainbow Crosswalks Days After Reinstatement

In a swift political turn that has left Houston’s LGBTQ community both shocked and emboldened, a coalition of conservative city officials and Texas lawmakers has called for the removal of the Montrose neighborhood’s rainbow crosswalks—just days after the city’s council reinstated the symbols of queer pride on one of the city’s most iconic streets. The push to strip the crosswalks from the pavement underscores a broader national debate about public displays of LGBTQ solidarity, fiscal priorities, and the limits of municipal policy in the age of social media activism.

The Rise, Fall, and Re‑Rise of the Rainbow Crosswalks

The Montrose neighborhood, long a hub for LGBTQ life in Houston, was the site of the first “rainbow crosswalk” in Texas when city workers painted a colorful intersection in 2021. The crosswalk, part of a larger city-wide initiative to enhance pedestrian safety and celebrate cultural diversity, quickly became a rally‑point for the city’s queer community. In 2023, the city council approved a budget that covered the maintenance and occasional repainting of the crosswalks, a decision that was praised by LGBTQ groups and civic leaders alike.

However, as the city began to grapple with budget shortfalls and the rising costs of municipal services, council member Maria Valdez (a Democrat representing District 12) announced in September that the city would be defunding the “rainbow” program. The decision sparked protests from Montrose residents, who argued that the crosswalks had become an integral part of the neighborhood’s identity. In a surprise move, the city council voted 8‑3 in favor of reinstating the crosswalks on October 5, citing “community pressure” and a commitment to LGBTQ visibility.

“It was a difficult decision, but we listened to our constituents,” Valdez said in a city council statement. “The Montrose crosswalks represent more than paint; they’re a symbol of safety and acceptance.”

Only days later, a coalition of conservative leaders—led by state Rep. Jason McAllister (R‑TX‑10) and former mayoral candidate Carla Ortiz—publicly demanded the removal of the crosswalks. They cited concerns about vandalism, maintenance costs, and the city’s fiscal responsibility. In an op‑ed on the Houston Chronicle, Rep. McAllister wrote that the crosswalks “cost the city taxpayers over $5,000 a year” and called for a “budget‑conscious approach” to public art.

The Reactions: A Community Divided

LGBTQ advocates immediately responded. Texas Equality Coalition president, Maya Rodriguez, called the removal request a “backward step” and reminded voters that the crosswalks had “been vandalized less than once in the past year.” She further pointed out that the crosswalks had helped reduce pedestrian accidents in the area, citing data from the Houston Police Department’s 2024 traffic safety report.

Montrose resident and former LGBTQ rights activist, David Kim, said, “It’s not just about paint on the road; it’s about who we are. The crosswalks are a daily reminder that this city is inclusive.” Kim noted that the city’s previous decision to defund the program had caused “a sense of betrayal” among longtime residents who had come to rely on the visibility.

Meanwhile, some conservative residents felt that the crosswalks were an unnecessary expense. In a neighborhood meeting, local resident Lisa Green told a group of neighbors, “We’re already paying for schools, roads, and parks. This is a frivolous project that only serves a minority.” Green echoed the sentiments of many city council members who have pledged to reduce the city’s debt.

The Fiscal Argument

Central to the conservative call for removal is the city’s fiscal health. Houston’s budget, which includes a $120 million line item for “public art and cultural programming,” has seen cuts across the board, including the city’s public safety and infrastructure budgets. According to a Houston City Council audit conducted in 2023, the cost of maintaining the Montrose crosswalks—including paint, labor, and occasional repairs—exceeded $7,000 annually.

Rep. McAllister’s op‑ed cites the audit and stresses that “the city’s resources should be directed toward core services.” He also points to a broader state initiative that has earmarked funds for “economic development” and “public safety.” In contrast, the Texas Equality Coalition argues that such funding should support programs for marginalized groups, and that the crosswalks serve an economic function by attracting tourism and boosting local businesses.

A Legal and Symbolic Showdown

The political tug‑of-war has also become a legal battleground. On October 9, the Houston City Council formed a sub‑committee to evaluate whether the crosswalks violated any city ordinances. The sub‑committee will consider not only budgetary implications but also legal challenges that may arise if the crosswalks are deemed a form of “protected expression” under the Texas Constitution’s provisions on freedom of speech.

“We’re not talking about vandalism; we’re talking about whether the city can legally mandate these symbols,” said Councilmember Karen Hayes, a Republican who chaired the sub‑committee. “If the crosswalks are a form of expression, there could be constitutional implications.”

Legal experts, such as Dr. Linda Torres of the Houston Law Review, suggest that the case could hinge on whether the crosswalks are considered public signage or a form of expressive art. Torres noted that a 2022 Texas court ruling had previously upheld the legality of city-sponsored art projects, provided they did not infringe on the rights of private citizens. She cautions that the court may also weigh the city’s responsibility to maintain public safety and equal treatment.

What Comes Next

As the debate rages on, the city’s mayor, Tom Murphy, has called for a “public forum” to allow residents of all political persuasions to discuss the crosswalks. Murphy, who has campaigned on a platform of fiscal conservatism and inclusivity, expressed uncertainty about the crosswalks’ fate.

“We want to preserve the character of Montrose and ensure that Houston remains a welcoming place for all,” Murphy told reporters. “At the same time, we cannot ignore the concerns about budget sustainability.”

The upcoming city council meeting, scheduled for October 16, is expected to be the most contentious since the crosswalks were first painted. LGBTQ advocates plan to present data showing the crosswalks’ safety benefits and economic impact, while conservative leaders will present a cost-benefit analysis highlighting the program’s expense.

In the meantime, the Montrose community remains divided. For many, the rainbow crosswalks symbolize a city that has learned to celebrate diversity and stand against hate. For others, they are a costly reminder of a city grappling with fiscal constraints and shifting political priorities.

The outcome of this debate will likely reverberate far beyond Houston’s streets. Whether the crosswalks stay, go, or undergo a redesign, the case will become a touchstone for the ongoing national conversation about public expressions of identity, community funding, and the intersection of politics and public space.