".surely there would have been absolutely no tolerance let alone understanding of an openly gay President during Lincoln's time"

" homosexuality was a far bigger issue in the 1800s than it is now."

Aren't these two remarks basically saying the same thing ?

In the 1800's they would not have offended the reader of newspapers with some of things they bring into the arena now!
It may have been as scathing behind closed doors but not openly written about for all to Read. No TV, No Radio, No FIlm, Women were considered shameful if they showed and ankle!