Ilhan Omar will be first Muslim woman to wear hijab in Congress with Democrats set to end head covering ban
Democrats are looking to change the rule banning head coverings on the House floor
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Minnesota Democrat Representative-elect Ilhan Omar will become the first woman to wear the hijab in Congress when she takes her seat, with her party set to overturn a rule banning head coverings on the House floor.
The Democrats will assume control of the House of Representatives on Thursday and the first order of congressional business is to pass a set of rules regarding House governorship.
One of those rules include changing the ban on head coverings to one that excludes only “non-religious” headwear.
As of right now, the rule on head coverings allow Ms Omar to wear her hijab inside the US Capitol building, but not on the House floor.
The rule change will allow Ms Omar to wear the hijab, a practice of her Islamic faith, while she is on the House floor to either vote or make speeches.
The Somali-American legislator has been outspoken about her desire to wear the hijab while she represents her district in Congress.
“No one puts a scarf on my head but me. It’s my choice—one protected by the first amendment. And this is not the last ban I’m going to work to lift,” Ms Omar tweeted after she won election in November.
Typically, the majority party proposes the set of rules that will govern the House of Representatives.
Incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Incoming House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern both supported Ms Omar’s request and included it in the rules packaged the party released on Tuesday night.
Hats or head coverings of any kind were banned from the House floor beginning in 1837.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments