Five years ago Sydney's rainbow crossing was removed overnight, now it's set to return

Sydney's beloved rainbow crossing was both a symbol of LGBT+ pride and a popular tourist attraction. But in 2013 the State Government controversially covered it up without warning.

Five years after it was covered up in the middle of the night by the New South Wales Government, who deemed it a “safety hazard”, the iconic rainbow is being permanently reinstated.

Marking a centre point of Sydney's LGBT+ village, and installed by the City of Sydney council for the 2013 Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the original rainbow crossing ran down Oxford Street, through Taylor Square, in the suburbs of Darlinghurst and Surry Hills.

Considering Australia's recent legalisation of marriage equality, it's certainly great timing to reinstate the famous rainbow.

After five years, Lord Mayor Clover Moore celebrated the return of the rainbow.

Our beautiful Oxford Street rainbow crossing became a global sensation in 2013 and it was devastating when it was removed with no warning in the middle of the night

The news that it will be reinstated is incredibly significant on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on 24 June and a powerful acknowledgement of the importance of our LGBTQI community and history.

Following the 2013 rainbow removal, the DIY Rainbow project chalked temporary rainbows across the city, creating a viral movement across the globe with supporters chalking their own rainbows on the streets worldwide.

The movement even chalked the Australian prime minister's driveway, after Malcolm Turnbull controversially ordered a snap review of the safe schools program, which aims to help create safe and supportive environments for LGBT+ students, reducing bullying and discrimination through education.

Sydney's addition will take three months to install, with construction set to start in October, pending final council sign-off.

TB: Mashable

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