What began as a symbolic act of solidarity in the heart of Dallas’ LGBTQ scene is now a test of city authority.
Dallas’ Landmark Commission is set to decide Monday whether a historic Oak Lawn church can keep its rainbow-painted front steps, a move made after Gov. Greg Abbott directed cities to remove rainbow crosswalks and other painted symbols from public streets.
Church leaders say the steps, on private property, were meant as an expression of faith and solidarity with the LGBTQ community, not a political statement.
Because the church sits within a designated historic site, certain changes to the property fall under the jurisdiction of the Landmark Commission, a City Council-appointed body.
Political Points
The church has urged neighbors and supporters to attend and speak at the 1 p.m. hearing at Dallas City Hall, saying the steps have become a marker of welcome and belonging.
“Silence is not neutral,” said the Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison, the church’s senior pastor. “Painting our steps in the colors of the rainbow is a visible witness to the gospel we preach, that every person is created in the image of God and worthy of safety, dignity and belonging.”
The commission’s staff recommended approving the steps as a temporary art installation, saying the changes are reversible, temporary and consistent with preservation standards.
A separate task force, however, recommended denial, citing city code provisions governing exterior color changes in historic sites.