Slag, there are a lot of misconceptions being bandied about as to what atheism is.
These misconceptions need to be clarified and addressed if we are as a people to
embrace plurality and diversity in our thinking. When religious people make outrageous assertions, they need to be answered rationally. Many of these assertions have to do
with atheism and religion. Hence, the long threads are on the subject.

Those who want atheists to "keep quiet" also probably support "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".

Nothing socially has ever been accomplished by sweeping inaccuracies and outlandish statements under the carpet. The true test of an atheist is to speak out when others try to distort or make false assumptions about their point-of-view.

Making the false assumption that atheism is another belief systems isn't true. Atheism means not-believing in theology or a god. It is not a religion. When that atheism is not accepted rationally and is given a reactionary and sometimes violent rebuttal, then as in GLBT or Civil Rights for Blacks, it becomes necessary to speak out regarding injustice.