Australia: Removed Sydney rainbow crossing to be replaced with permanent installation

A permanent installation is to be made in Sydney, following outrage when a rainbow crossing was removed in April, despite strong calls to leave it in place.

The rainbow road crossing in Oxford Street, in Sydney’s LGBT district, which was painted for the city’s 35th Mardi Gras celebrations, was dug up in April, officials noting a safety hazard, despite a 15,000 strong petition to save it.

A new, permanent crossing will now be painted in Summer Hill Square, in Sydney, however it will not be the same as its colourful predecessor, and instead will be just the outline of a rainbow.

The New South Wales roads minister, Duncan Gay, said this would allow the rainbow colours to be “periodically chalked in”.

“I wholeheartedly congratulate Ashfield Council for putting a rainbow crossing precisely where we suggested City of Sydney Council install one,” he said.

He continued, praising the council for the new crossing, which he said “appropriately protects pedestrian safety”.

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