The Religious Difference

Jason was Christian and Meriam was Muslim. From what I've heard and read about, it's okay for a Muslim man to date and marry a non-Muslim woman, but a Muslim woman is prohibited to date and marry a non-Muslim man. That's a bit hypocritical and another stupid double-standard! Those same sources say it's because the kids must follow their dad's religion.
No offense, but if Islam really is all about peace and love why should it be such a big deal if a woman falls in love with a man from a different religious and/or cultural background (or if the kids follow a different faith)?