In 1983, while the Reagan Administration was denying the existence of the AIDS epidemic, Bernie Sanders stood up for the gay community in Burlington, Vermont casting the deciding 6-5 vote to allow the first ever pride parade in Burlington, Vermont.
Here are two key statements from Bernie:
In our democratic society, it is the responsibility of government to safeguard civil liberties and civil rights — especially the freedom of speech and expression… In a free society, we must all be committed to the mutual respect of each others [sic] lifestyle.
It is my very strong view that a society which proclaims human freedom as its goal, as the United States does, must work unceasingly to end discrimination against all people. I am happy to say that this past year, in Burlington, we have made some important progress by adopting an ordinance which prohibits discrimination in housing. This law will give legal protection not only to welfare recipients, and families with children, the elderly and the handicapped — but to the gay community as well.
Bernie Sanders — fighting for justice before fighting for justice was politically cool.