I don't understand, why don't atheists just claim a religion so they'll escape persecution?

If it were a matter of life and death, most would I'm sure for survival. It is not one here. Those who stand up against those under the influence of religion have usually been harmed by it greatly in the past. They won't be quiet to escape non-life threatening persecution because they know there are children getting abused in the name of "gods" this very day.