>In particular, this leaves all repositories open to media-induced attention and controversy, followed by a takedown.

It should be emphasized that this, rather than the possibility of censorship by GitLab's staff on their own initiative, is the main concern here.

On the other hand, what incentives does GitLab have to host controversial projects? The kind of person who appreciates it is not the exactly the social or technological trendsetter at the moment. It would make a good marketing point for a niche repository hosting service targeting a "red tribe" or "gray tribe" audience* but a mainstream service could rationally choose to not get involved with it.

* https://paxdickinson.wordpress.com/2014/10/27/the-rise-of-th...