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The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, ordered the cities in the state to remove crosswalks painted in rainbow colors and warned that, if they fail to do so, they could lose millions of dollars in funding.
The measure affects communities such as Miami Beach, Key West, and Fort Lauderdale, where these symbols of LGBTQ pride and inclusion have been installed.
According to a report from the Associated Press (AP), municipalities have until early September to comply with the regulation.
In the case of Miami Beach, the deadline is September 4th.
Commissioner Alex Fernández stated that he will propose an appeal at the meeting on September 3 and defended that these rainbow crosswalks "are a symbol of safety not only for the LGBTQ community but also for other residents," emphasized AP.
Among the first erased was the intersection in front of the Pulse club in Orlando, the site of the 2016 massacre that left 49 victims.
He was removed in the early morning by work brigades, which sparked outrage among neighbors and activists.
The founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, Rand Hoch, described the orders as "a clear anti-LGBTQ push" and denounced that the government is "blackmailing municipalities with the withdrawal of funding," emphasized the news agency.
The controversy arises after a federal directive issued by Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, which gave governors 60 days to identify what he deemed "road safety improvements."
"The roads are for safety, not for political or artistic messages," he asserted.
However, so far Florida is the only state that has aggressively implemented this directive.
“We will not allow our roads to be taken for political purposes,” DeSantis declared on the platform X.
Human rights defenders warn that the measure reflects a broader offensive against symbols of inclusion and diversity.
In cities like Key West, the Department of Transportation warned that if the markings in its historic center are not removed by September 3rd, they will be removed by force and without further notice.
Civil rights lawyers and education officials in Florida agreed in 2024 that students and teachers could discuss sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms, as long as it is not part of formal instruction.
According to a news report, the agreement arises in response to the controversial measure known as "Don't Say Gay", formally titled the Parental Rights in Education Law, which faced legal challenges and criticism for its impact on the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in schools.
In 2022, the regulation was approved that initially banned instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in the early grades, which created confusion about whether teachers could identify as LGBTQ+ individuals or display rainbow symbols in classrooms.
The following year, its reach was extended to the final year of high school, affecting children from five to 18 years old.
The agreement signed this Monday clarifies the scope of discussions allowed in classrooms and addresses concerns that arose after the enactment of the law.
According to the terms, the Florida Board of Education will send instructions to each school district, indicating that discussing LGBTQ+ individuals is not prohibited, nor is the enforcement of rules against harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity, or the formation of Gay-Straight Alliance groups.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rainbow Steps Removal in Florida
Why has Ron DeSantis ordered the removal of rainbow crosswalks in Florida?
Ron DeSantis has ordered the removal of rainbow crosswalks because he believes that "roads are for safety, not for political or artistic messages." This measure is part of a federal directive aimed at improving road safety, although Florida is the only state that has taken such an aggressive action regarding this issue.
What consequences will cities face if they do not remove the rainbow crosswalks?
Cities that do not comply with the order to remove the rainbow crosswalks will face the threat of losing millions of dollars in state funding. The Florida Department of Transportation has warned that if the markings are not removed by the deadlines, they will be removed by force without further notice.
What has been the reaction of the communities affected by the removal of the rainbow crosswalks?
The removal of the rainbow crosswalks has generated outrage among residents and activists, who perceive this action as an attack on symbols of inclusion and diversity. The crosswalk in front of the Pulse club in Orlando, the site of a massacre in 2016, was one of the first to be removed, prompting a strong reaction from the community.
What actions are human rights advocates taking in response to the removal of rainbow crossings?
Human rights advocates have denounced that DeSantis's order reflects a broad offensive against symbols of inclusion and diversity. Rand Hoch, founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, described the orders as "a clearly anti-LGBTQ push" and accused the government of "blackmail" for threatening to withdraw funds from municipalities that do not comply.
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