Jothar, you said Any time there’s a debate, it’s by definition going to be divisive. Why should anyone object to open, rigorous intellectual analysis…
No, there is a difference between debating a controversial topic and delegitimizing someone’s way of life.
The former you can discuss dispassionately or even passionately, without taking personal offense and without feeling anger and hurt. The latter would be perceived as bashing, attacking, disparaging, maligning, and other very hurtful things and would encourage enmity and hostility amongst different groups.
Squeak: You made me smile 🙂