Reply #49: It's a matter of overused, overblown rhetoric.

[Silent3]

Yes, I know that you know that there wasn't a law or constitutional amendment on the table here barring expression of religion. But whenever I see "allow" used this way, there's quite often an emotional indignation there of someone reacting as if someone else truly is threatening to restrict their rights and freedoms in some terrible way beyond, oh, merely having to face contrary opinions out there in the world.

If anyone has anything to complain about when it comes to public attitudes so strong that they practically have the force of law, it's an atheist. Try running for office being openly atheist. Try actually speaking about atheism on the campaign trail. We all know that's political suicide.