Massachusetts town under fire for removing its LGBTQ crosswalk

The town had repainted nine of its 10 pride crosswalks last year using donated funds, which cost nearly $8,000 through private contributions

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Officials in Swampscott, a coastal town located northeast of Boston, are reevaluating their roadway marking policies following local debate on the repainting of two rainbow-themed pride crosswalks.

However, local leaders said in a Monday update that they acknowledged residents’ concerns about the restriping and “understand the importance these markings hold for members of our community.”

“The Town is also reviewing the policies and procedures surrounding roadway markings, including those supported through private donations, to ensure there is a clear and consistent process moving forward,” Swampscott officials said, adding that they encouraged residents to share their perspectives and “participate in a dialogue” at the Select Board’s October 21 meeting.

The initial decision drew mixed reactions online, with some residents criticizing the repaint while others argued the discussion stemmed from misplaced priorities.

“Routine maintenance doesn’t require painting over colors in black,” Katie Murphy Arrington wrote in a public Facebook post. “Inclusivity matters. Visibility matters. And the choices our town makes send a message about the community we want to be.”

In August 2025, state workers in Orlando, Florida, paved over a rainbow crosswalk outside the former Pulse nightclub that honored victims of the 2016 mass shooting. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer called the move a “cruel political act,” while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the decision, stating that officials “will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.”

Town officials clarified that the rainbow paint used on the crosswalks was previously donated and applied outside normal maintenance routines.

A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched to restore the rainbow colors, raising $1,800 toward a $5,000 target as of Wednesday afternoon.

Despite the changes, town officials said Swampscott “remains committed to being an inclusive and welcoming community for all.”