Then let's sharpen the statement.

"Anyone who brings up kids is either trying to manipulate you or is a useful idiot for the manipulators."

> But you shouldn't let them erase your ability to have honest discussions.

Tell that to them, not me. I've found that I'm perfectly capable of having honest discussions about pretty much any topic, no matter how controversial, except this.

When children are involved, even perfectly well intentioned people get whipped up into an emotional frenzy and are ready to double down on literally any half baked "solution" to whatever problem is placed in front of them. They cannot be argued out of such a state, and will lash out at anyone who tries. Your "heretic" comparison is apt.