London, England (January 26, 2011): Jay Leno continues to face opposition on his controversial remark about Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, the sacred Sikh shrine. Now “British lawmakers say Prime Minister David Cameron should complain to the United States over a Leno routine that joked about the holiest site in the Sikh religion”, reports CBSNews.
It is notable that on the January 19, 2012 episode of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on NBC Jay Leno showed a photo of an Darbar Sahib, also called the Golden Temple of Amritsar, as summer home of Republican Mitt Romney. Sikhs consider that this remark was indeed derogatory, given the sacred significance of the place.
“In a motion published at Parliament on Thursday, two legislators said Leno had shown a complete misunderstanding of the Sikh faith. British opposition Labour Party lawmakers Virendra Shrama and John McDonnell proposed a motion demanding Cameron call on the U.S. to show more respect toward Sikhs. The move does not compel Cameron to take any action” adds CBSNews.
Sikh Siyasat has accessed the text of concerned “Early Day Motion 2651” moved on 25th January, 2012, which reads as:
“That this House notes with concern the sketch on the NBC Jay Leno Show where the most sacred Sikh shrine, the Golden Temple, was disrespected by Jay Leno when it was referred to as GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s summer home; expresses concern and regret that this depiction of the Golden Temple as a home of the rich shows a complete misunderstanding of the Sikh faith and is derogatory to Sikhs across the world; believes that these comments are not acceptable to all those who believe in respect for all religions; calls on Jay Leno and NBC to apologise to all Sikhs for this disrespectful depiction of the Golden Temple; and further calls on the Government to make representations to the US government that while recognising principles of freedom of speech there should be more understanding and respect shown to the Sikh faith.”
Mr. Virendra Sharma of Labour Party, who is member from Ealing Southall is the primary sponsor of the motion; while McDonnel John, also of Labour Party, who is member from Hayes and Harlington is the other sponsor. Text and recent updates about motion may be accessed from website of British Parliament.
Jay Leno (61) is now being sued by a man in California named Dr. Randeep Dhillon, who argues the comedian is spreading hatred and ridicule of his religion.