Rainbow benches in the Polish town of Kielce have been vandalised after widespread opposition to their installation. Fifteen benches were due to be installed throughout Kielce throughout 2020 as part of a participatory budget, an initiative that gives citizens the opportunity to create projects in the city using state funds. However, the rainbow design – which organisers said was “dedicated to all citizens” – prompted a fierce backlash, culminating in a spree of vandalism. Some benches were painted red and gold for the local football team, Korona Kielce, and had the initials ‘CK’ painted onto them. Others had the backs removed or were vandalised with offensive slogans. On one bench, a vandal wrote: “F**k LGBT… F**k PiS [the ruling Law and Justice party]. F**k police.” Agata Wojda, a Kielce city councillor, posted photos of the vandalised benches on Facebook. She captioned the photo: “The hooligans’ race to destroy colourful benches has been going on for several days.”