Larry Sprenger, 65; influential figure in Southland gay activism

Larry Sprenger, 65, a West Hollywood businessman and activist who was at the forefront of many issues affecting the local gay community, died April 29 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was waiting for a heart transplant. He had been in poor health for several years.

In the mid-1980s, Sprenger was co-chairman of the Municipal Elections Committee of Los Angeles, then one of the nation’s most influential gay political groups.

He was instrumental in the group’s controversial stand in 1985 urging the owners of gay bathhouses to voluntarily shut down their operations because of the baths’ possible role in the spread of AIDS.

“Larry helped MECLA form a nuanced position that was really formed in terms of social responsibility. It was a pretty tough stance,” said Steve Schulte, a former West Hollywood mayor.

As an insurance broker, Sprenger was an important force in opposing efforts to make it more difficult for people infected with HIV to obtain insurance. He also helped put in place West Hollywood’s first general liability policy, according to Bob Arthur, who was active in the city’s early struggles.

Sprenger was also treasurer of the successful “No on 64” campaign, which fought the so-called Larouche initiative, a measure that sought to impose testing and job restrictions on people with HIV.