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The media have reported recently that Anita Bryant passed away on Dec. 16. Many won’t recognize her name.
The Oklahoma native was a beauty queen, successful singer and ubiquitous spokesperson for Florida Citrus. Another fact about her from the first paragraph of all her obituaries was that she was an early casualty in America’s ongoing culture wars. Bryant was a leader in 1977 of the successful effort to repeal a Miami ordinance that outlawed sexual orientation discrimination.
Her tagline was “Save Our Children.” Supporters of gay rights condemned her. Florida Citrus was boycotted.
Her advertising contracts were not renewed. Her music career dried up. Her divorce alienated many of her Christian admirers.
In short, her career was canceled. I felt a bit sorry for Bryant. She said she never regretted anything.
She surely always believed that she was in the right — that God was on her side. Finally, the gay-friendly ordinance that she got repealed in Miami was reenacted in 1988. People are also reading.
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6 conviction, Bixby man hopes Trump makes good on his promise to pardon him Bill Haisten: A significant and fascinating hire as Mason Fine joins Dale Condict Three Tulsa restaurateurs, Noche are named semifinalists for coveted national awards Bill Haisten: Owasso's Drew Frankenfield faces 'business decision' following coaching changes Should OU hire Jim Knowles and defrock Venables from defense? | Berry Tramel's ScissorTales At least 15 with Oklahoma ties affected by Trump's pardons for Jan. 6 attack Mayor Nichols shares his thoughts after DOJ memo on local focus for immigration enforcement How Hauss Hejny's journey perfectly aligned with becoming Oklahoma State's next quarterback Trump's return fuels anxiety, fear in Tulsa’s immigrants. What their advocates are hearing Will Howard's title part of KSU outdueling OU decision-making | Berry Tramel's ScissorTales The lesson of Bryant is that social conservatives always eventually lose their battles to enact their beliefs into law.
They can obstruct cultural change, but they can’t stop it. There were once laws against racial integration, women’s rights, gay rights, interracial marriage, birth control and same-sex marriage. There are ongoing culture war battles today, especially here in Oklahoma.
In each case, social conservatives have always, and will always, lose their struggles. In a government of, by and for the people, they will always lose. Letters to the editor are encouraged.
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