I know it’s unpopular here, but this is why I always comment that we need to try to work with people who have bad pasts, who are putting in the effort to make up for it. Your past doesn’t define you. People who have done horrible things can end up being the most helpful allies when they realize they fucked things up before. If even Fred Phelps can realize his mistakes, anyone can.

Obviously people actively doing harm should not be granted the same respect. People who realize their past is bad should though.