Governor Greg Abbott has issued an order to eliminate rainbow-painted crosswalks in a well-known LGBTQ-friendly region in Houston.

According to the Dallas Express, Abbott moved forward with removing rainbow symbolism associated with Pride from the Montrose neighborhood. It was noted that the alleged decision was based on a federal safety matter, citing that the different colors can confuse drivers and are not compliant with Federal Highway Administration traffic control guidelines. Soon after, the city’s METRO employees repainted the crosswalks at Westheimer Road and Taft Street.

Why were Montrose’s rainbow crosswalks removed?

Montrose’s rainbow crosswalks doubled as the area’s landmarks and as a reflection of its deep-rooted LGBTQ+ history. They were first painted in 2017 and refreshed by the city on October 1 before being ordered off the street. The METRO team moved in just after midnight on October 20 to start the removal under the state’s deadline. Abbot’s office issued the following guidance on street markings and signage.

“Under federal and state guidelines for roadway safety, non-standard surface markings, signage, and signals that do not directly support traffic control or safety are strictly prohibited, including the use of symbols, flags, or other markings conveying social, political, or ideological messages,” Abbott outlined in a policy notice on October 8, 2025.

He also directed TxDOT to enforce the rules and outlined the stakes: “Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely, not advance political agendas on Texas roadways,” Abbott wrote. “Today, I directed the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure Texas counties and cities remove any and all political ideologies from our streets. To keep Texans moving safely and free from distraction, we must maintain a safe and consistent transportation network across Texas. Any city that refuses to comply with the federal road standards will face consequences including the withholding or denial of state and federal road funding and suspension of agreements with TxDOT.”

How did Houston residents respond to Gov. Abbott’s order to remove rainbow crosswalks?

During the operation, Houston police arrested four protestors who tried to block the intersection, charging them with obstruction.

Additionally, community members in the Heights answered with color. Residents sketched rainbow chalk art across sidewalks and side streets, the Houston Chronicle reported, turning the block into a quiet show of solidarity. Local LGBTQ+ organizations also condemned Abbott’s order, voicing united opposition and urging supporters to keep pushing back.

“This crosswalk holds profound meaning for our community. Installed in 2017, it was Texas’ first Pride crosswalk and was created in memory of Alex Hill, a 21-year-old community member who tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run incident in 2016 near that intersection,” the Montrose Center mentioned in a statement. “The crosswalk was funded by the Montrose Center and Pride Houston 365, reflecting a united commitment to honor Alex’s life and to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s visibility and resilience.”

The organization continued, “A broad coalition of Houston LGBTQ+ community organizations expresses deep concern and sadness following the recent directive from Governor Greg Abbott ordering the removal of rainbow crosswalks across Texas.”

There have been no further statements about the order and responses from Abbott’s camp.

LGBQT

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week