Anita Bryant, a former singer and Florida citrus spokeswoman, has passed away from cancer at 84 in Edmond, Oklahoma. In the 1970s, she became a prominent figure in the fight against gay rights, leading the “Save Our Children” campaign that successfully repealed a Dade County ordinance in Miami that prohibited discrimination against gays. This law, passed in January 1977, was a groundbreaking move for gay rights in the U.S., but Bryant’s coalition spearheaded a successful petition to put the ordinance to a public vote, which resulted in its repeal in June 1977 by a 2-to-1 margin. Bryant’s vocal opposition to homosexuality, which she termed an “abomination,” was rooted in her belief that it posed a threat to children and Christian values.
Bryant’s campaign, focused on fears that gay teachers would influence children, garnered support from various conservative Christian groups, including televangelist Jerry Falwell. She argued that granting rights to gays would lead to broader acceptance of other groups, such as prostitutes. Her anti-gay rhetoric ignited a heated, often hateful, backlash in Miami, with Bryant’s critics accusing her of intolerance. This conflict became a significant moment in the history of the national gay rights movement, positioning Miami as a key battleground.
In the aftermath of Bryant’s campaign, it took 21 years for Dade County to reinstate the anti-discrimination law. However, Bryant’s efforts also sparked a nationwide network of anti-gay campaigns, leaving a lasting impact on conservative Christian movements. Despite the harm caused to many, some conservatives today still regard Bryant as a pioneer, with advocates praising her as a defender of family values and parental rights. The legacy of her campaign remains controversial, seen by some as an important moment in the fight for gay rights and by others as a symbol of resistance to LGBTQ equality.
