What if an avowed atheist were to say that Mohammad was a warlord and that burqas are bondage? Would this get column inches in the newspapers and would people be hoping that they would lose in a court case?
Would we expect the atheist to get an education? Would we be offended at the atheist taking exception to the Muslim's beliefs? What about an atheist's reputation in the community? Are atheists to be free from accusations of intolerance towards the faith of Muslims or Christians, or do they get a pass because to them any form of faith is delusional and irrational?
Conversely, what if a Muslim where to argue that Christians were offensively arrogant by stating that Jesus is the only way to God? Would they be charged with with breaching Section 5 of the Public Order Act – causing harassment, alarm or distress to the Christian?
Would we be posting on this forum that we hoped the Muslims would get a criminal record and a £2500 fine?
Are we on a level playing field?