Crews in Dallas began removing rainbow Pride and Black Lives Matter crosswalks early Monday morning (23 March), following a mandate from the Texas Department of Transportation. The work started at Cedar Springs Road and Oak Lawn Avenue which is located in the city’s historic LGBTQ+ district, marking the beginning of a three-week project to eliminate around 30 decorative crossings. Officials say the removals, expected to be completed by late April 2026, are required to comply with state traffic standards after Texas denied the city’s request for an exemption. The directive stems from policies backed by Governor Greg Abbott, with state officials arguing that non-standard road markings could pose safety risks. However, local leaders and advocates dispute that claim, noting many of the crosswalks were funded privately and served as visible symbols of inclusion, particularly in neighbourhoods like Oak Lawn, long considered the heart of LGBTQ+ life in Dallas. Similar actions have taken...