That's true, it did.

But they have equal civil rights now and plenty of conservatives, myself included, never have or will support infringing upon civil liberties for anyone.

If there actually were 'plenty' of those conservatives than their party wouldn't be led by those currently in charge

The funny thing about that is lots of us have no say as to who comprises the party. I voted for Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Matt Rosendale (whom I met and know personally). Beyond that I and my fellow Montanan's have no say as to what either party looks like. But I can truthfully tell you that the ethos, "I may hate what you say, but I love that you can say it." (Basically 'live and let live') is commonly supported here.

Internal party politics are pretty complex.