MC Banhammer Posted:

Just respect other people and don’t go dissing their beliefs no matter what they are or what category those beliefs fall in (religion, evolution, how to raise their kids, what kinds of food they eat, who they choose to have sex with, how much they want to strangle you in your sleep, whatever)

Senselessly mocking people for what they believe, we can sensibly refrain from. But are you really saying we should withhold all criticism?

First up, you can’t value free speech whilst simultaneously suggesting “don’t criticise” as a rule (either officially enforced or just through social disapproval)

Second, without criticism of the stupid things people say, pointing out that they’re wrong, how is anyone ever going to be right? The lunatics, idiots, liars and charlatans of the world would have free rein to spread their particular brands of stupidity.

Just look at the mess British libel law is in, to see what happens when simple criticism can be successfully prosecuted against.