MADRID (AP) — Madrid is gearing up to host an international LGBT pride celebration by installing "inclusive" and "gender equal" traffic signals across the city.
Figures of women or girls, identified by skirts and ponytails, started going up on Monday at intersections that previously featured the familiar figure of a man in mid-stride to let pedestrians know when to cross.
Other walk/don't walk signs are designed to show couples — some same-sex and some opposite gender — holding hands.
Madrid City Hall says the signs are important to fostering gender and gay equality given their visual impact.
The city says it paid $25,000 for replacing 288 lights at 72 street crossings.
Madrid is hosting the 2017 World Pride celebrations June 23-July 2. The city says the new signs will remain after the event.
Subscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.