Yes, I just checked. The thread is in the News/Activism topic, and is listed under a news topic. As far as I'm aware, such threads are open for discussion by any freeper who cares to post replies.
Perhaps there is some rule I'm not aware of, but I don't think so. If there is, perhaps you can let me know what that rule is.
All thread are open for discussion. Even prayer threads. Try pooping on one of them and see how far you get.