Is this a sign of abuse/dysfunctional relationship

[socialmedia23]

BIL works for a very conservative news company. His wife, my SIL just had a baby and when my MIL and younger SIL were there, forbade them from talking about politics or having arguments with him (cos apparently he gets argumentative and in a bad way; and as his views lean republican and he loves guns, it's not that difficult to set him off). To me, it seems really weird because I cannot imagine censoring other people's opinions so that my DH wouldn't get riled up...

Sorry wrong section will ask Mumsnet to move it.

I don't think it sounds like abuse to me - I often ask people visiting for occasions (Christmas / birthdays etc) not to talk politics if it's certain people mixing who I know have really opposing views. Politics seems to be a subject that can get people riled up like no other!

She also gets upset if anyone disagrees with him...

Perhaps she shares the same views? Perhaps she really dislikes political arguments? I'm obviously not privy to the same amount of background info as you, but on the face of it it's not an out of the ordinary thing to do.

If you have to censor your opinion for fear of someone kicking off then I do think it's an issue. It's very intolerant and insular to think your views shouldn't be opposed. He really doesn't sound like a nice person.