Obama to address Muslim concerns during mosque visit

WASHINGTON

President Barack Obama will discuss issues affecting the Muslim community during his first visit to a U.S. mosque on Wednesday, according to the White House.

During a roundtable discussion with Muslim leaders at the Islamic Society of Baltimore, Obama “is looking for the opportunity to have some dialogue, to talk to leaders in the community about what's on their minds, what their concerns are, and the president's certainly looking forward to that discussion,” spokesman Josh Earnest said on Tuesday.

He will also address a wider audience at the mosque where he will “affirm our conviction in the principle of religious liberty – that law-abiding Americans should be able to worship God in the manner that they see fit, consistent with their religious heritage and traditions in a way that doesn't subject them to either interference from the government or, frankly, divisive rhetoric on the campaign trail”.

Some Republican candidates seeking their party’s nomination have singled out Muslims during their campaigns, particularly real estate mogul Donald Trump who called for a temporary ban on adherents entering the U.S., citing security concerns.

Obama’s remarks will not focus on national security, but will instead highlight “affirming the important role that Muslims play in our diverse American society”, Earnest added.

Muslims "shouldn't be subject to ridicule or targeting by anybody, let alone somebody who aspires to leading the country", he said.