Is it possible to be critical of a faith, a culture, a government, a party - and not be accused of bigotry?
It should be. In a rational and civilised environment, it should be.
For decades we (the collective 'we') have tip-toed around matters that should have been debated judiciously - insisting they are non-existant, a figment of an illiberal, fanatical, mind-set; we have ignored or glossed over verbal and physical abuse of minorities, of women, of religious adherents, of communities. We have determined that criticism of the Right is unquestionable proof that you are of the Left (and contrariwise), etc, etc.
In this environment, cogent and coherent voices have been silenced, or silenced themselves for fear of censure or ridicule. And in that vacuum, extremism and fanaticism has had a field-day. Politicians (all stripes), with their fingers on the pulse of 'public concern' have utilised that zealotry and obsessiveness for their own and their party's agenda.
And here we are now.