SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Texas Cities Resist Sign Removal Order

Several cities in Texas are pushing back against a deadline set by Governor Greg Abbott to take down street signs that have political messages. The order mandates that cities must remove these signs, or they risk losing state funding.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy initially raised the issue in July, sending letters to governors nationwide about the dangers of substandard roadway art, emphasizing that roadways should prioritize safety over political statements. He stated, “Roadways are for safety, not political messages or works of art. I’m urging governors to keep roads clear of distractions, as too many Americans are injured or die in traffic accidents due to these distractions.”

In October, following Secretary Duffy’s recommendation, Governor Abbott instructed cities to comply within 30 days or face financial penalties. In a press release on October 8th, he stressed that taxpayer money should not be used to further political agendas and that noncompliance could lead to withheld state and federal highway funds.

As the deadline approaches, officials in San Antonio have yet to take down the rainbow crosswalk located near downtown, which has been in place for over seven years. Instead, the city has applied for an extension from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), although TxDOT has not responded to their request.

On a recent visit by Breitbart Texas, the so-called “Pride Cultural Heritage District” remained unchanged, and the rainbow-painted crosswalk was still there, serving as a backdrop for the usual hustle and bustle of city life.

It appears that as the deadline nears with no sign of removing the crosswalk, San Antonio’s mayor is recognizing that the potential loss of state funding may not justify a fight over this issue.

During a rally opposing Abbott’s directive, San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones expressed a commitment to finding a way forward that honors the city’s diverse identities. While the city had filed for a waiver to keep the crosswalk, it seems that complying with the order might be inevitable if the waiver is denied.

As the first openly gay mayor of San Antonio, Jones shared at the rally that the city was ready to let go of the matter if need be. She remarked, “We need to be smart, pragmatic, and effective, not just idealistic. My pride isn’t about crosswalks, it’s about the people and progress of San Antonio. It’s also tied to recognizing the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in our city, state, and country.”

In contrast, Houston Mayor John Whitmire moved quickly to have rainbow crosswalks removed, labeling the directive “counterproductive.” The removal took place on October 20th, prompting criticism from other local leaders, including Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who felt the action was rushed.

Houston resident Stephen Saltzman expressed his frustration towards Mayor Whitmire, accusing him of prioritizing the views of former President Trump over community concerns. He highlighted a perceived pattern of neglect regarding local rights and protections.