Five arrested for second attempt at painting over Gisborne’s rainbow crossing
Wednesday, 27 March 2024
Protesters have been arrested for attempting to paint over Gisborne’s rainbow crossing for a second time.
Destiny Church members painted over the crossing with white paint on Monday.
The group had threatened to do so if the council didn’t cancel a drag queen story time at the library, which went ahead.
Five people have been arrested for attempting to paint Gisborne’s rainbow crossing white, again.
The rainbow pedestrian crossing, which has been on Gladstone Rd since 2021, was painted over by Destiny Church members on Monday.
The group was protesting a drag queen story time for over-16s at the HB Williams Memorial Library on Tuesday afternoon.
The event, by drag queens Erika and Coco Flash, went ahead under the watch of police, as protesters chanted against what they referred to as the “sexualisation of children”.
The crossing was restored overnight on Wednesday.
But on Wednesday afternoon, paint can-wielding protesters returned to the crossing and blocked the road, police said in a statement.
On his website, Brian Tamaki said the group were there to paint an Easter-themed art installation over the rainbow.
Before they could do so, five people were arrested for allegedly preparing to commit a crime.
“Police are continuing to investigate yesterday and today’s events and are considering any next steps.”
On Tuesday, Gisborne Destiny Church leader Leighton Packer said the group would not tolerate “these people coming here to read to our children”.
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz previously described the group’s actions as vandalism and accused them of fuelling hatred and division.
“We accept that people hold different views however there is no place for hate or bigotry in Tairāwhiti.”
She added that the painters had interfered with road markings which was a safety risk.
“We will be working with the police to make those involved accountable and seeking reparations for the cost of the work.”
Tamaki had accused the Gisborne District Council of wasting time and money.
“Ratepayers do not want to be paying for all of this rainbow-washing… Our councils have been hijacked by the trans/gay/drag movement.”
Drag queen story times are educational events which aim to promote diversity and acceptance through the art of drag, music and comedy. They often involve topics such as sexual orientation and gender identity.