I don’t disagree. However, conservatives should have been leading the fight for civil rights, not fighting a rear-guard action against them. Had they done so, it is at least possible freedom of association could have been somewhat better protected.
Conservatives DID fight for civil rights, particularly outside the south. Many opposed the Civil Rights Act, as I still do, because it eliminates an important freedom and has done great harm to our country. A person SHOULD have the right to dislike someone and refuse to do business with that other person. Homosexual activists ought to have every right to refuse to bake cakes for heterosexuals getting married, if they believe heterosexual marriage is evil.