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"A controversial rainbow crosswalk painted on Sydney\u2019s Oxford St. in February to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the city\u2019s famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has been removed after the NSW Government deemed it to be a dangerous traffic hazard.The crosswalk was originally installed on a one month trial basis at a cost of $65,000 but a safety audit identified a number of incidences of dangerous behaviour related to the crossing. A specific reference was made to the risk of pedestrians \u201Cskylarking and posing for photos.\u201DA change.org petition created by Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich MP that attracted more than 15,000 signatures was not enough to save the crosswalk.&amp;nbsp; According to the petition, \u201CLesbians and gay men were beaten and bashed here in 1978! The rainbow crossing recognises the history of this precinct, is great public art and breathes life into Oxford Street.\u201DThe Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, was responsible for the establishment of the rainbow crosswalk and has advocated strongly for its preservation. In a letter to the Roads Minister, Moore stated that \u201CThe trial of the crossing has demonstrated significant economic, social and cultural benefits. Most importantly, the symbolic crossing positively promotes Sydney and Oxford Street, with expected benefits for tourism and retail activity in Oxford Street.\u201DThe removal of the crosswalk is costing the council a further $30,000"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://au.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/889597/sydney-loses-battle-over-controversial-gay-pride-rainbow>