What makes a church any different to the party in this respect? Aren't we also preachers, trying to convince people about the best path to human salvation? I am seriously concerned about us entertaining double standards, and alienating otherwise virtuous people in the process.
You know, Christianity originally flourished as a secret society - what makes you think forcing groups of the religious to organise 'privately' (whatever that means) is going to achieve anything useful?
The religious question is a sideshow, comrades. It is merely a symptom of broader problems in society of which we are all acutely aware of. Targeting or repressing non-violent religion with the power of the state achieves nothing that is worth the accompanying violation of the principle of free speech.
I agree wholeheartedly, religion is best left alone where it does no harm.