The five Destiny Church members arrested at the rainbow crossing in Gladstone Road on Wednesday afternoon were released on bail that night from the Gisborne police station.
It is understood they will be appearing in Gisborne District Court next week.
Arrests were made after church members blockaded the main street
with their vehicles and approached the crossing with cans of aerosol spray paint. They were taken away in handcuffs and charged with preparing to commit a crime. Police said they were continuing to investigate the incident which was a protest response to a drag queen 16 years and over event at HB Williams Memorial Library on Tuesday.
On Monday night, protesters from the church painted the rainbow crossing white. It was repainted in the rainbow colours on Tuesday. Police were made aware church members were returning to the crossing on Wednesday afternoon with the intention to spray-paint it. Rainbow community members and supporters also went to the crossing site between Grey and Bright streets.
