The idea that certain beliefs ought to be ring-fenced from criticism and ridicule is the very antithesis of liberalism. In any case, how we determine who might qualify for such special protection will very much depend upon the subjective judgement of those in power at any given moment. For instance, there are many who argue that the perceived rise of Islamophobia might be redressed with prohibitions against the criticism of Islam. They have forgotten that the very same logic could be applied by unscrupulous governments of the future who wish to avoid being held to account.
Protection
