Joshua Gill | Religion Reporter
Democrats are proposing to lift the ban on religious headgear on the House floor to accommodate newly elected Muslim women members, despite Jewish members working under the restriction since 1837.
Minnesota Democratic Rep.-elect Ilhan Omar, one of two newly elected Muslim women representatives including Democratic Rep.-elect Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, proposed the lift to the 181-year-old ban along with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and the ranking Democrat on the Rules Committee, Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern, as part of a new House rules proposal package on Nov. 15. Democrats argue that allowing religious headwear, among their other proposed rule changes, will help “restore inclusion and diversity” to the House of Representatives. (RELATED: Trudeau Tries To Dissuade New Quebec Premier From Banning Hijab In Public Service)
Democratic U.S. congressional candidate Rashida Tlaib celebrates with family and friends at her midterm election night party in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., Nov. 6, 2018. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook
The Democrats proposal raises questions, however, as to why Democrats have chosen to accommodate two new Muslim members of Congress but have not attempted similar reform for Jewish representatives, of which there have been over 170 since 1845.
The current rule states that “every member shall remain uncovered during the sessions of the House.” Under the Democrats proposed change, the ban on hats would remain but would include an exception for religious headwear, TIME reported.
The new rules proposal package also includes the creation of an office to ensure diversity in House staff hiring and a ban on LGBT discrimination.
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