By Phillip Bailey/KPR
Murray, KY – A national Hindu religious leader is demanding Republican David Williams apologize for his recent remarks about the faith. During a stump speech yesterday, Williams said Democratic Governor Steve Beshear was worshipping "false gods" and was involved in "polytheistic situations" for participating in a Hindu ceremony.
The governor was celebrating the groundbreaking of an Indian-based company that is building a manufacturing plant to crate 250 jobs in the state. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed is based in Nevada. He says the GOP nominee's remarks demonstrate religious intolerance.
"Kentuckians are a very mature and smart people, and they will not buy into these kind of immature statements. This does not make you less of a Christian or Hindu or Muslim or Jew to participate in somebody else's ceremony," he said.
Since the remarks, various Hindu leaders in Louisville and other parts of the state have come out against Williams's comment. But Zed says the remarks will gain national criticism as well if the GOP nominee doesn't apologize to the more than 3 million Hindus in the country.
The Williams campaign has not responded to a request for comment.
