"(..) and religions should be respected on the same level as race, sexuality and political persuasion, as they are so fundamental to human identity that they cannot be considered a choice."

This sentence is at the heart of the issue - and I can only fully agree with the follow up question that was asked. First of all: Race and sexuality are indeed not chosen, while political persuasion is clearly on a different level of choice involved.
I think all ideas (religious, political or otherwise) should be allowed to be criticised, discussed and indeed ridiculed.
Why would there need to be a special "respect" for bad ideas if they are voiced in the context of religion? If I happen to grow up in a cultural context where I am (at early age) indoctrinated to believe certain outlandish claims that are not supported by any evidence.. these outlandish claims should be "respected"?
This is exactly the kind of mind-set that makes religious extremism and terrorism possible in the first place.

ALL bad ideas should be exposed, discussed, challenged and if necessary ridiculed!