
San Francisco, California – There will be plenty of rainbows at the intersection of 18th and Castro streets in the heart of San Francisco’s gay neighborhood, reports the Bay Area Reporter.
On Thursday, March 13, District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener announced the winning design and location for rainbow crosswalks that will be paid for by the Castro Upper Market Community Benefit District. The crosswalks are being incorporated with a sidewalk widening project that will begin construction this month.
Upon hearing of the news, the Westboro Baptist Church sent a proposal to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to repaint the crosswalk at the intersection of Market and Castro Streets. The Topeka, Kansas-based church headed by Fred Phelps offered to fully fund the crosswalk makeover “in the spirit of equality.” “If the City of San Francisco allowed the re-painting of the crosswalk at 18th and Castro streets, then there is no compelling reason for it to deny our offer, especially because we are paying for it,” Phelps said.
The Westboro Baptist Church is known for its anti-gay agenda, traveling the country to picket parades, festivals and even funerals with signs like “God Hates Fags” and “Thank God for Dead Soldiers.”

The Board of Supes has not yet met to consider the church’s offer, but circulated the proposed crosswalk design to its members and the media. The design is in stark contrast to the rainbow design, featuring black and white crosses painted next to each other.