Ministry for Devolution
Yes we can (unless you're Muslim)...
Two Muslim women were barred from sitting behind a podium that Barrack Obama was making a speech on in Detroit on Monday. Dressed in their traditional headscarves, volunteers working for the Democratic campaign were concerned that having them appear behind Obama in photographs or on television would have a negative effect on his appeal with majority voters.
Traditionally, the set of faces that form the backdrop to campaigning politicians as they make speeches represents a carefully chosen demographic that campaigners feel will reflect the true message of the campaign. In Obama's future, it is now being argued, there is less room for Muslims than for people of other persuasions.
The two Muslim women in question were enthusiastic supporters of Obama and have said that they were disappointed when asked to move by Obama's volunteers.
“This is of course not the policy of the campaign. It is offensive and counter to Obama’s commitment to bring Americans together and simply not the kind of campaign we run,” said Obama spokesman Bill Burton. “We sincerely apologize for the behavior of these volunteers.”
The incident will add more controversy to the Obama campaign regarding its treatment of Muslims and Islam as Barack has previously had to deny links to the faith in a way that opponents have labelled as being overly critical.
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