ABOUT 100 people brightly coloured Launceston’s Civic Square pavers in support of equal rights yesterday.
The non-public event was a part of the world-wide movement DIY rainbow, which took-off after a chalk rainbow marking 35 years of Sydney’s Mardi Gras was cleared from Oxford Street.
It is the second time a chalk rainbow has been drawn in Launceston this month.
The first was removed by the Launceston City Council two weeks ago, after it was mistakenly seen as graffiti and cleaned as part of routine cleaning at the City Park.
Launceston resident Rick Marton said the rainbow is a symbol of support for equality including same-sex marriage.
“The movement started shortly after the Oxford Street rainbow had been removed and the idea behind that was not to get angry, but get chalking,” Mr Marton said.
“But that eventually turned into people drawing chalk rainbows right across Australia and then across the world.”
“This is not to be a political statement or anything to try and force thought upon anyone – it’s simply a sign of equality.”
Mr Marton said he did not want Northern Tasmania to miss out on being shown as a family friendly city inclusive for all types of families.
He said the council supported the idea and would not to remove the artwork.
Author: Corey Martin
Publication: The Examiner
Date: 29 April 2013