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Muslim representative Ilhan Omar becomes first to wear Hijab in US Congress after 181 year ban

Ilhan Omar swore in with her hand on the Quran 

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who 23 years ago was a Somali refugee, became the first member of US Congress to wear a hijab in the House of Representatives.

The 37-year-old Minnesota representative tweeted: “As a kid, I acted as my grandfather’s translator at our caucuses and he was the one who first sparked my interest in politics. I wish he could be here to witness this historic moment, but he was here in spirit as I placed my hand on his Quran for the ceremonial swearing in.”

Omar is one of two Muslim women who were elected to Congress, the other is Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. Although Tlaib didn’t wear a hijab, like Omar, she was sworn in using the Quran.

The House of Representatives now has a record 102 women – this includes a whole new generation of Muslims, Latinos, Native Americans and African Americans.

After she was sworn in, on Thursday, she made a statement saying: “I plan to resist the current Administration’s attempts to divide us and push destructive policies that chip away at our rights and freedoms.

“We have the opportunity to build a more inclusive and compassionate culture, one that will allow our economy to flourish and encourage more Americans to participate in our democracy.”

 

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