> At a Glance
> – The Landmark Commission green-lights rainbow-painted steps at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church for three years.
> – No public opposition surfaced at Wednesday’s hearing; supporters packed the room.
> – The church calls the display a faith-based welcome to the LGBTQ community, not a protest.
> – Why it matters: The vote protects an emblem of inclusion in a historic district and signals city-level support for LGBTQ visibility.
A historic church at the corner of Oak Lawn Avenue has turned a city code hurdle into a celebration of pride. After a swift, unanimous vote, its colorful entry steps will stay-rainbow stripes and all-for at least the next 36 months.
The Backstory
Gov. Greg Abbott’s order to scrub rainbow crosswalks citywide prompted Oak Lawn United Methodist to act. Within days, the congregation painted its front steps in Pride colors, replacing the removed crosswalk that once stood at the same intersection.
Because the 1920s building is a designated historic landmark, any exterior change-even paint-needs Landmark Commission consent. Leaders filed for an exception, citing the church’s mission to “welcome all.”
A Flood of Support
More than two dozen speakers signed up Wednesday evening. Each voice echoed the same theme: keep the steps.
- A resident beamed that the colors spell “love, support, inclusion, and kindness.”
- Another recalled marrying his husband on those exact steps in 2017 after the sanctuary doors were closed to same-sex ceremonies.
- Commissioners offered zero objections, approving the request in under ten minutes.
Church Leaders Respond
Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison, senior pastor, framed the art as ministry:
> “This is our way of speaking to our community-of sharing a message of boldness and courage that who you are is beloved and worthy of dignity and belonging.”
She reiterated that the steps are “not an act of defiance, but one of faith.” Staff plan to maintain the paint and reapply for renewal once the three-year permit expires.
Key Takeaways
- Landmark Commission used its exception authority to override standard color rules for historic sites.
- The rainbow installation is now legally protected through 2027.
- Congregants and neighbors view the steps as both a historic-preservation win and an LGBTQ-affirmation milestone.
Dallas keeps a splash of Pride on one of its oldest corners, and Oak Lawn United Methodist keeps its doors-and steps-wide open.
