Atheism not being a religion does not benefit from this same protection, and is only granted the protections normally granted to freedom of speech and of the press. Religion on the other hand, provides an additional barrier, the breaching of which is considered taboo. As a result, an atheist cannot discriminate against someone’s religion, but a religious person has a much easier time discriminating against atheists.

This is what makes many atheists angry. It’s almost as if we have to defend ourselves against bigotry with hands tied behind our back. It’s simply unfair.

Therefore, freedom of religion was the Founding Fathers’ biggest mistake. Free speech should have been enough.

Also, I like your question, though I think the parallel between sin and religion would be lost on most people. I’m guessing they’d defend it by saying that religion (arguably) isn’t the same because all sin is bad, but “mine is good.”