Openly gay former congressman, financial reformer Barney Frank dies at 86

Longtime former Democratic congressman for Massachusetts, Barney Frank, died Tuesday at age 86, according to Congress’ website. He entered hospice in April due to complications of congestive heart failure, according to the Associated Press, citing Frank’s former campaign manager. Frank represented Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District for more than 30 years, after a background that included a Harvard education and state politics. He was known for championing liberal causes and was one of the first openly homosexual members of Congress.

Frank also co-authored the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, which changed banking regulations in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. The act introduced new consumer protections, capital requirements for banks, and greater oversight authority for regulators. After 32 years in Congress, Frank chose not to run for reelection in 2012. He legally married his male romantic partner, Jim Ready, and moved to Ogunquit, Maine, where he died. In Frank’s final weeks, he gave a variety of interviews urging Democrats to tone down the most unpopular parts of their agenda and lean toward the mainstream in order to retake the White House.

Frank faced criticism in 1990 when the House voted 408-18 to reprimand him for ethical violations related to his relationship with a male prostitute. Frank used his political influence to sway probation officers and fix parking tickets in favor of the man, according to House records.

What are people saying about Frank’s legacy? Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday that Frank never stopped working to make the world a better place. The two remained good friends after Frank retired and often discussed ideas to improve America, Schumer said. Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi praised Frank for his LGBTQ advocacy and said the two worked together on housing reforms. He was a close friend and confidant, she said.

Dig deeper:  Read Al Mohler Jr.’s column for WORLD Opinions about how, while facing death, Frank revealed how moral revolutions work—and told the LGBTQ movement how to get ahead.