Jay Leno angers Sikhs by Comparing Mitt Romney's house with Golden Temple

The offence was caused during a skit on the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno,' when the TV host introduces 'a behind the scenes look at all the presidential candidates' homes, where they live, it's quite revealing.'

The video, broadcast on 19 January, goes on to show Newt Gingrich's home in Virginia, Ron Paul's house in Texas and then says: 'Here's a look at Mitt Romney's summer home on Lake Winnipesaukee.'

An image flashes up on the screen of the Golden Temple of Amritsar, which is met by audience laughter and clapping.

The Golden Temple is the holiest Sikh shrine and in response to the show with an Indian minister called the comments 'objectionable'.

Mr Romney has faced taxation questions over his huge wealth and many Sikhs are angry the temple has been depicted as a place for the rich.
Unwelcome comparison: Mitt Romney has faced taxation questions over his huge wealth and many Sikhs are angry the temple has been depicted as a place for the rich

Unwelcome comparison: Mitt Romney has faced taxation questions over his huge wealth and many Sikhs are angry the temple has been depicted as a place for the rich

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi told reporters: 'It is quite unfortunate and quite objectionable that such a comment has been made after showing the Golden Temple.'

Mr Ravi said the Indian embassy would take up the matter with the US state department, the Press Trust of India reported.

He said: 'The Golden Temple is the Sikh community's most sacred place... The American government should also look at this kind of thing.

'Freedom does not mean hurting the sentiments of others... This is not acceptable to us and we take a very strong objection for such a display.'

In response the members of the US Sikh community have now launched an online petition, called 'Stop defaming Sikhs and using derogatory remarks against the Sikh shrines.'

So far over 2,000 people have added their names to support the cause.

The petition says Leno has been guilty of derogatory comments about Sikhs before and that 'Jay Leno's racist comments need to be stopped right here'.

Simran Kaur, a petition signatory wrote: 'Jay Leno must apologise and promise not to make any direct or oblique references to Sikhs or their places of worship.'

The petition group also state that they have put in calls to the NBC offices in New York and California.

Leno has not yet commented on the matter.


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