SPOKANE, Wash. – New security cameras and deterrent lights have been installed over the Spokane Pride mural that was defaced May 16.
Just two days before the kick-off of Pride month, the installation of the deterrent lights follows a string of vandalizations of LGBTQ+ flags in Spokane.
After it was set on fire by an arsonist in mid-May, over $15,000 was raised with the help of the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane to restore the mural.
Anti-LGBTQ+ incidents, including the vandalization of Pride crosswalks in the Perry District and masked people ripping Pride flags off private property, have occurred several times in the past two years, prompting a new law meant to crack-down on these acts.
A bill classifying the defacement of murals with the intent of threatening a protected group a hate crime will go into effect across Washington on June 6.
