Bare-chest baby’s passport photo “offensive"

A mother has reportedly been told by the Home Office that she cannot use a photo of her bare-chested baby son for a passport because it might be “offensive” to people in “fanatical religious countries”. According to the Daily Telegraph, 36-year-old Tracy Barnes removed nine-month-old Lewis’ top after he was sick on it just before having his picture taken by a professional photographer. But, after sending the photo with a passport application form to the Home Office, Mrs Barnes reportedly said she was shocked to receive a reply saying that the pictures were unsuitable because of the baby’s state of undress. She is quoted as saying: “We are going to Greece. It is hardly a hotbed of fundamentalism. This sort of political correctness will only serve to stir up racial tensions.” Islamic leaders are quoted as saying that the Home Office’s stance was “absurd” and showed its ignorance of Muslim culture. Tahmina Saleem, of the Muslim Council of Great Britain, reportedly said: “The Home Office is increasingly imposing ridiculous morality on us without consulting us. I suggest that they consult us in future before making such sweeping statements.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd