Dallas, Texas, January 6, 2026
The Dallas Landmark Commission has unanimously approved the rainbow-colored steps at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, allowing the installation to remain for three years. This decision advocates inclusivity, following a directive from Governor Greg Abbott aimed at removing political symbols from public streets. The painted steps, created as a welcoming symbol, reflect the community’s support for LGBTQ inclusivity. The approval underscores the significance of the Oak Lawn neighborhood’s historical ties to the LGBTQ community, with future reviews planned to assess the installation’s status.
Dallas Approves Rainbow Steps at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church
A Symbol of Community and Inclusivity
Dallas, Texas – In a unanimous decision, the Dallas Landmark Commission has approved the rainbow-colored steps at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, allowing the temporary art installation to remain for three years. This approval follows a directive from Governor Greg Abbott, which called for the removal of rainbow crosswalks and other symbols from public streets. Church leaders emphasized that the painted steps serve as a symbol of welcome and inclusivity, not a political statement.
Background and Community Support
The rainbow steps were painted in October 2025, in response to Governor Abbott’s order to remove “any and all political ideologies from” public streets in Texas. The church, located in Dallas’ Oak Lawn neighborhood—a historically significant area for the LGBTQ community—sought approval from the Landmark Commission due to its status as a designated historic landmark. The commission’s staff recommended approval, noting that the installation is temporary, reversible, and aligns with preservation standards. During the hearing, numerous supporters spoke in favor of the steps, highlighting their role as a symbol of solidarity and belonging in the community. No opposition was voiced during the meeting.
Implications and Future Considerations
The commission’s decision allows the rainbow steps to remain in place for three years, after which the matter will be reviewed again. This outcome reflects the community’s support for the church’s message of inclusivity and the temporary nature of the installation. The approval also underscores the church’s commitment to being a welcoming space for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.
Related Developments
In related news, Dallas city leaders are awaiting a decision from the Texas Department of Transportation regarding the legality of rainbow crosswalks and other decorative road markings in the city. The state has ordered the removal of such symbols, citing safety concerns, but cities like Dallas are challenging this directive, arguing that these installations are vital symbols of neighborhood identity and inclusivity.
Key Features of the Rainbow Steps Approval
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Approval Status | Unanimous approval by the Dallas Landmark Commission to allow the rainbow steps to remain for three years. |
| Installation Date | Painted in October 2025 in response to Governor Greg Abbott’s directive to remove “any and all political ideologies from” public streets in Texas. |
| Community Support | Numerous supporters spoke in favor of the steps during the hearing, highlighting their role as a symbol of solidarity and belonging in the community. No opposition was voiced during the meeting. |
| Location | Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, located in Dallas’ Oak Lawn neighborhood—a historically significant area for the LGBTQ community. |
| Future Review | The installation will be reviewed again in three years, as per the commission’s decision. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the rainbow steps at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church?
The rainbow steps are a temporary art installation painted on the front steps of Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas. They were created as a symbol of welcome and inclusivity for the LGBTQ community.
Why were the rainbow steps painted?
The steps were painted in October 2025 in response to Governor Greg Abbott’s directive to remove “any and all political ideologies from” public streets in Texas. The church leaders emphasized that the painted steps serve as a symbol of welcome and inclusivity, not a political statement.
What is the status of the rainbow steps now?
The Dallas Landmark Commission unanimously approved the rainbow steps, allowing the temporary art installation to remain for three years. This decision reflects the community’s support for the church’s message of inclusivity and the temporary nature of the installation.
What is the significance of the Oak Lawn neighborhood?
The Oak Lawn neighborhood in Dallas is historically significant for the LGBTQ community. It has been a center for LGBTQ culture and activism in the city for decades.
What is the current status of rainbow crosswalks in Dallas?
Dallas city leaders are awaiting a decision from the Texas Department of Transportation regarding the legality of rainbow crosswalks and other decorative road markings in the city. The state has ordered the removal of such symbols, citing safety concerns, but cities like Dallas are challenging this directive, arguing that these installations are vital symbols of neighborhood identity and inclusivity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Oak Lawn, Dallas: Historic Gayborhood Adapts Amidst Change
Golf Giants Shine Amid Market Challenges
Newton Golf Company Launches $10 Million Sales Offering
Major Construction Begins on New Neighborhood Park in Dallas
Texas Governor Orders Removal of Rainbow Crosswalks in Dallas
Dallas Faces Funding Threat Over Rainbow Crosswalks Removal
Texas Governor Directs Removal of Rainbow Crosswalks in Dallas
Governor Greg Abbott Calls for Removal of Pride Symbols in Texas
Dallas LGBTQ+ Community Celebrates Pride with Two Parades
Texas Job Market: A Mixed Bag of Growth and Challenges
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
