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Dallas Landmark Commission Approves Oak Lawn UMC Rainbow Steps for Three-Year Art Installation

Commissioners used their discretion to grant an exception under preservation rules, treating the paint as temporary art subject to a three-year review.

Overview

  • The vote was unanimous after hours of public comment at City Hall, with no speakers or commissioners opposing the installation.
  • Parishioners painted the steps in October as a show of support for LGBTQ neighbors following Gov. Greg Abbott’s directive targeting rainbow crosswalks and similar markings.
  • Because the church is a designated historic landmark, the project required commission approval despite city code that typically limits exterior colors and materials.
  • City staff recommended approval with conditions while a task force subcommittee urged denial, and the full commission exercised its authority to grant an exception.
  • Senior Pastor Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison called the outcome a win and sought permanence, and the church accepted the decision to revisit the steps after three years.