And back then, I (naturally) drew the wrong conclusion: that these were mostly harmless idiots with a bad plan.
Now I understand that I was wrong - because I presumed they were honest about their goal.
But I see now the goal never was about changing minds. Their goal was *always* to make sure that queer people felt nervous and unwelcome. But, formerly, with a veneer of respectable concern for their souls.
All they've done, recently, is just pull off that veneer.