BENJIE SANDERS / ARIZONA DAILY STAR 1978 For many years, Anita Bryant sang the praises of the orange in her role as spokeswoman for Florida citrus. But when she appeared in Tucson on Feb. 20, 1978, she told the 3,000 people assembled at the TCC that she had found "a vitamin C better than Florida orange juice — Christ." Bryant's appearance was sponsored by the National Revive America Crusades. Her talk centered on her rebirth and she entertained with religious songs of praise. Not mentioned was the topic that brought her protests and death threats around the country — her campaign against homosexuality. Bryant had successfully worked to repeal the Dade County ordinance prohibiting discrimination against homosexuals. About 800 gay-rights backers rallied outside the hall, but there were no incidents.
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