Landmark commission unanimously approves church’s rainbow steps...

[Jessica_Rose ✅]

Landmark commission unanimously approves church's rainbow steps: "This is religious expression"

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/01/landmark-commission-unanimously-approves-churchs-rainbow-steps-this-is-religious-expression/ 🔗

Greg Owen (17 Jan 2026)

Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas received formal approval from the city's Landmark Commission last week after officials, members, and volunteers painted the Late Gothic Revival building's staircase the colors of the rainbow in October.

The building has local landmark status, and it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The dramatic gesture reimagining the church steps was executed as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) carried out the Trump administration's order to tear up rainbow crosswalks across the state, including one in front of the church's historic building, home to a large and welcoming Methodist congregation.

Church officials and members at Oak Lawn called painting the stairs an act of faith.

"Silence in the face of harm always sides with the oppressor," Oak Lawn Senior Pastor Rachel Griffin-Allison said at the time.

"Painting our steps in the colors of the rainbow is a visible witness to the gospel we preach: that every person is created in the image of God and worthy of safety, dignity, and belonging," she said.

At a packed meeting last Monday, members of the Landmark Commission agreed, granting a three-year approval to the "temporary art installation."

All of the speakers at the public forum spoke in favor of keeping the rainbow steps.

"This is religious expression," said former Landmark Commissioner Cindy Steiner.

[Charlotte_Ringwood]

This is so heartwarming they are shining a light in the dark. I'm not religious per se,  but I can't believe any loving God would approve of this hatred and oppression. To me it's about love, being a good neighbour and helping those in need. Just being kind hearted and empathic to all.

[Jessica_Rose ✅]

'Religious expression' seems to be a rather larger hammer lately. Why don't we use that more often? My religion tells me to be my authentic self, to be the one person who allows me to have the deepest connection with my soul. For that to happen, I need to transition. Not allowing me to at least socially transition at the age I desire would be against my religious expression.

Love always -- Jessica Rose