No. You should get out more. Take a trip to india before you start passing judgements on that country and its people. The oppression in parts of our south has been well documented. It is ridiculous to claim that the bible belt is a place of religious tolerance and free speech.
What oppression is taking place in 'parts of our south' nowadays? Be specific.
There are no laws against religious speech in the south or anywhere else in the US. When has anyone in recent years been denied free speech, arrested, or prosecuted in the American south for religious speech? Be specific.
In contrast several Indian states are contemplating or have passed laws restricting religious speech. This article makes that clear, as has been confirmed by several Indian/Hindu persons on this thread.