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Proposed LGBTQ+ Rainbow Crosswalk in Doylestown Borough Would Be First of Its Kind in Bucks County

Proposed LGBTQ+ Rainbow Crosswalk in Doylestown Borough Would Be First of Its Kind in Bucks County | Newtown News of Interest | Scoop.it

A rainbow crosswalk serves as a symbol of safety — as well as pride, support and inclusivity — for the LGBTQ+ community.

 

This was the message Monday night, as Doylestown Borough council members voted unanimously in favor of adding a decorative rainbow crosswalk on Printer’s Alley at East State Street, but not before hearing from more than two dozen members of the public speaking out in support of and against the proposal.

 

Council member Ben Bell said the Doylestown Pride Festival requested the crosswalk in the area of its annual block party on East State Street. It will be installed before the festival.

 

The rainbow crosswalk, which will be installed permanently on Printer’s Alley between Evolution Candy and the former Zen Den building, will be the first of its kind in Bucks County, according to the Doylestown Pride Festival.

 

“We’re beyond proud to celebrate the many diverse identities within our community and as we enter our fourth year, we hope this will serve as a wonderful year-round reminder that Doylestown embraces and uplifts the LGBTQ+ community from across the region,” said Kris Boger, president of Discover Doylestown and chair of the festival.

 

Marlene Pray, a member of the festival and director of The Rainbow Room, called the crosswalk "a symbol of welcome and safety and support," which sends a message to kids "they are loved, that they matter, that they are valued and that they will be supported.”

 

Opponents to the proposal expressed concerns, including pedestrian safety, religious beliefs and aesthetics.

 

Pray called out those who spoke against the crosswalk, questioning their reasons.

 

“It is amazing all of the excuses some people will use to hide their bigotry and hide their intolerance, and I don’t mean just in this room, but in our community and in our country,” she said.

 

But for everyone who dissented, there were just as many voicing support for the crosswalk, as a means for embracing the LGBTQ+ community.

 

Installation and ongoing maintenance costs will be covered by the Doylestown Pride Festival.

 

johnmacknewtown's insight:

 

I think this might be a good idea for Newtown Township - perhaps on Lower Dolington Road along the new multi-use trail after it completed.

 

I would help raise awareness of the Newtown Township Human Relations Commission (NTHRC) (LINK: https://newtownpa.gov/newtown-township-human-relations-commission/). and the Township’s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, which ensures equal employment, housing, use of public accommodations, and access to post secondary educational institutions regardless of actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. 

 

Related Content:

 

  • “State Senator Steve Santarsiero Announces a $630,000 Grant To Fund Expansion Of The Rainbow Room Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Bucks County”; https://sco.lt/8uJPUm
  • “Newtown Becomes the FIRST Township in Bucks County to Pass an Anti-Discrimination Ordinance That Protects the Rights of the LGBTQ Community”; https://sco.lt/7EQgdN
  • VIDEO: “Marlene Pray Comments on Love is Love Resolution”; https://youtu.be/bM0nxPQ8cZA
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Newtown News of Interest
These Scoops are excerpts from articles published in local newspapers and other sources that may be of interest to Newtown area residents. Please click on the "From" link to access the full original article. Any opinions and "insights" appended to these article summaries are solely those of John Mack and do not represent the opinions of any other person or entity.
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