HOUSTON – A symbol of LGBTQ+ pride in the Montrose neighborhood is at the center of a growing controversy after Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the removal of Houston’s rainbow-painted crosswalks, calling them “distracting” and in violation of federal roadway standards.

Community Landmark or Traffic Hazard?

The decision follows a letter from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging all states to comply with the “SAFE Roads” initiative — a federal guideline requiring crosswalks and road markings to remain free of political messaging or visual distractions.

Governor Abbott responded by directing cities, including Houston, to remove non-standard road paint or risk losing federal transportation funding. The rainbow crosswalks in Montrose — painted in 2017 to honor the neighborhoo

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