Separation of Church and State?

Although I do not frequent a church on Sunday or any day of the week for that matter, I found a news story that struck me as rather unusual. I know that people are very passionate when it comes to their beliefs in just about anything. What I don't understand is how one person can be so passionate about something that he does not believe in. Luigi Cascioli, a professed atheist, has sued a priest, Father Enrico Righi, in Italy for false teachings concerning the existence of Jesus.
If this man of the church can be sued for his preachings, why are there not more names on Cascioli's list? Certainly entire governments can also be at fault if the courts rule in favor of the atheist. I am still unsure of whether he believes in God, but I would think not if he claims he is an atheist. The question remains "Where does it end?" If I believe or don't believe in something, I certainly don't want the courts to determine what I should or should not believe in. Thank goodness for free will. I think Cascioli's issue would be better if it were taken up before the One considered my many to be the ultimate Judge. If the courts rule in his favor, will it open the window for people to argue the existence of Buddha, Ghandi or even Allah. I may not agree with what Christianity has been construed into by people in this day and age, but if a belief in Jesus helps a person feel better about themselves and allows people to know right from wrong, I'm all for that. People need their faith, whatever that may be and so long as it's not an extremist measure, to get them through life. Why spend so much effort trying to prove a point that you never believed in anyway? I wasn't around when George Washington became the first president of the USA, but just because I didn't see it, doesn't mean that he didn't exist. History taught me many things about Washington.
The trial began earlier this week. It will be interesting to see what the outcome is. Cascioli has been quoted to say he will seek an appeal with the European Supreme Court if the court does no find in his favor. This issue may grace the front pages of many newspapers for a long time.