Respect of another persons beliefs is something I hold dear. The old saying "I may not agree with what you're saying, but I'll fight to the death for your right to say it." is, to me, a basic human ideal.

Amen to that.

Sadly some (even on this open discussion forum) would think this is dangerous left-wing claptrap.

The idea that folk can believe and have every right express what they wish sounds fine - but this freedom religious or otherwise - is a difficult concept in practice. In my view it is rather vital that we work hard on getting this generally accepted - before it is too late.

Don't want to go too far down this road in this thread but most folk would acept that what they read or see is a matter for them to choose and would not wish someone else to censor to protect them. But then the argument of whether children should also be exposed to this, is brought in. Probably understandably, we then agree that some limits should be placed to protect our children from input that they may not fully understand and concepts that they may not be ready for.

At the same time we appear to have little concern about organised religous faiths being taught to our children as fact. Firm facts are very important to you when you are young - as much else is uncertain, so it is little surprise that our young are receptive to being told comforting (if non-factual) beliefs, from people and communities they trust.