US defends Leno's Temple remarks

The US government defends Jay Leno's jibes about the Sikh Golden Temple after the Indian authorities officially condemned the act.


The US constitution strictly provides for freedom of speech, said state department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland.


"I hope [Leno will] be appreciative if we make the point that his comments are constitutionally protected in the United States under free speech and, frankly, they appeared to be satirical in nature," she told the reporters.


The US respects all Indians, including Sikhs, and "Sikh Americans have contributed greatly to the United States", she said.