As an Atheist that is public about his non-belief, I have always felt that it was important to push back against the Xstian soldiers trying to spread their dogma and to advocate for free thinkers. I don't go tilting at windmills or seeking out confrontation but when it comes to my doorstep or I see something that is unacceptable then I do think that it is important to step up and not shy away from confronting religious oppression.
All that it takes for Evil to triumph is for good people to sit back and do nothing.
I don't open the topic, but I don't hide my atheism either.