Overnight, Karangahape Road’s rainbow crossing was defaced with white paint, a move that has yet to be claimed by any individual or group. This incident mirrors a previous act of vandalism in Gisborne by Destiny Church affiliates, aimed at protesting a drag queen storytime event.
The rainbow crossing was unveiled outside St Kevin’s Arcade in 2021 during the Auckland Pride Festival to symbolise LGBTQI+ diversity and inclusion.
An early morning Reddit post revealed the crossing’s condition, showing it entirely blanketed in white. Nonetheless, the rainy weather and passing traffic have since blurred the paint, partially revealing the rainbow beneath.
Auckland officials, including police and Auckland Transport, have been contacted for their input on the matter. Chlöe Swarbrick, Auckland Central MP and Greens co-leader condemned the vandalism on social media, stressing the importance of maintaining visibility and pride within the rainbow community. She has actively engaged with authorities to ensure the crossing’s swift restoration.
The act of vandalism follows a similar occurrence in Gisborne, where Destiny Church members objected to a library event featuring drag queens reading to children by defacing a local rainbow crossing. Despite the crossing being quickly restored, further protests ensued, leading to the arrest of five individuals attempting to vandalise it again.
