On a sweltering Saturday morning, dozens of people lined Fort Lauderdale Beach with signs and flags declaring “We will not be erased,” as Florida moves to force cities to cover up rainbow-painted crosswalks, long seen as symbols of LGBTQ+ pride and inclusion.
“The abuse of the government right now is too excessive,” Alfredo Olvera, president of the Dolphin Democrats, said. “If we don’t do this now, when today it’s a crosswalk, what’s it going to be tomorrow?”
The Florida Department of Transportation said the brightly-colored designs distract drivers and pose safety risks. Residents and advocates called the order a personal attack on the LGBTQ community.
Protestors push back on state’s reason for removal
“Absolutely it’s a safety issue,” Hillary Dougherty, a member of the Dolphin Democrats, said…