An Odd Standard

I know I said I wouldn't write about the "Muhammad Cartoons" thing (as ridiculous as it is), but I thought I might offer up this little tidbit for comparison:

On the one hand, we have a small group of radical muslims rioting and burning down embassies in reaction to mere depictions of the prophet Muhammad. Most of the riots have been staged by governments of the countries they took place in. Western media and governments have rushed to apologize profusely for thinking that freedom of speech might result in someone being offended somewhere by something.

On the other hand, we have an Italian lawsuit where an atheist is suing a Catholic priest for saying that Jesus Christ existed, and apparently the court must decide whether or not he did.

An interesting comparison? Discuss.