The importance lies in the ignorance people have about atheism.
I think most of us know what atheism is. If you break down the word it is self explanatory.
Atheism is very simple. It's people who subscribe to the scientific explanation of the origin of the universe.
No, that's not what it means at all. You have been misinformed. It means "someone who denies the existence of god". Literally without God. It has nothing to do with science.
It's not about communism, perversions, the freedom to live our their lives in an amoral way...etc. In fact, most atheists have the highest regard for the preservation of life and liberty. They don't look to get a reprieve in a confession booth.
If there is anyone denying atheists the right to live their lives their own way then lets look at it. But that problem, if there is one, has not been pointed out,
But I must say, religious persecution, since its beginning, has taken it's toll on many more than just atheists. They don't seem to discriminate when it comes to persecution of those who belief differently. And what really makes it worse is that there are way many more who do believe in a religion who turn on each others as infidels outside their own faith.
Certainly there is historical evidence of religious wrong doings (and atheistic) and we can see that in cases in Islam today. But there is not much interest , as far as I can tell, that is preventing Muslims in the western world from celebrating Ramadan or trying to shut down any of their celebrations.
Your decision to believe what you will is of no consequence to me unless your beliefs are manifested into inappropriate behaviors that in some serious manner negatively effect others.
I have no interest in shutting down the celebrations of atheists or Christians because that is "inappropriate" and infringes on their rights. It is terribly small minded and an intrusion on the rights and freedoms of others to celebrate their beliefs in whatever way they might peacefully choose.