"But the initial post was concerned only with the UK"
Fine -can't argue with that, but my point has always been regarding religion is that it is a religious problem which knows no national boundaries.
People's beliefs are worth protecting, whether you share them or not, it's the misuse of those beliefs that's the problem and that's applicable to any and all religions.
I have no argument with people trundling to the mosques, temples synagogues or churches if it's a voluntary act.
It only becomes "oppressive" if it is done at gunpoint, or through spiritual conditioning and blackmail.
The overall danger from all religions is when they become toxically mixed with politics - that's what makes headlines and overfills refugee boats.
Jim Carroll