A group called the Citizens Against Religious Bigotry has called for a boycott of Comedy Central over what it calls a double standard when it comes to depictions of religion.  The group which includes leaders from the Media Research Center, the Catholic League and the Parents Television Council said a proposed series that satirizes Jesus Christ represents a double standard after the networks decision to censor an episode of South Park that mocked the Prophet Muhammad.

Comedy Central censored the April South Park episode that depicted Muhammad in a bear costume.  The show’s creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, were threatened for the depiction.

Comedy Central is reportedly developing a show called JC which would depict Jesus Christ living in modern day New York City.  The coalition has urged 250 prospective sponsors to boycott advertising on the planned Comedy Central animated series.

L. Brent Bozell, the president of the Media Research Center, has said:

There has been a glaring double standard at Comedy Central for quite some time where religious matters are concerned. On the one hand, it has a policy that it won’t do anything that in the slightest way might be offensive to Muslims….. For years it has shown a desire to mock and ridicule Jesus Christ and Christians and God the father while they’re at it.

Tony Fox, a press representative for Comedy Central, said:

JC is an idea and an idea only. Perhaps the Citizens Against Religious Bigotry should save their energy for the moment if and when this series ever makes air.